Question 1

my 19 month old son suffers from constipation. he will not have bowel movements for maybe 2 days, then it will be big hard ones. weve had him on pegicol, weve given suppositories, weve done one enema. nothing changed. what should i do?

Accepted Answer

Complex issue: At that age a kid is has less idea of long term consequences &amp; thinks more of short term issues like avoiding pain. If it is hard(painful) when he goes he will try not to go. The longer it stays inside, the harder/bulkier it gets. Something like pegicol can be used long term (months) to keep his poop soft but treatment often takes 2X the length of the problem. Stopping too soon leads to failure.

Question 2

is the barium enema exam of the large intestine safe for heart patients?

Accepted Answer

Compared to what? Ca: Cancer? Any procedure or test comes with risk, so if it isn't needed, then best not to do it. However, whoever ordered the Barium enema did so for a reason &amp; the risk-vs-benefit calculation was done based on symptoms, history, &amp; a preliminary diagnosis. All-in-all, barium is safer than colonoscopy using Mag citrate or other laxatives that cause electrolyte problems &amp; require sedation. Enema is OK.

Question 3

i've been told my bowel is very long and twisty - through bare um enemas - is this problematic?

Accepted Answer

Normal: Just like people, colons come in all sizes and configurations.  It's not a real problem , but it can make it more difficult on a barium enema or colonoscopy to see everything.

Question 4

i've tried exlax and dulcolax and still no bowel movement, enema next?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Dulcolax is  stimulant laxative. Sometimes osmotic laxatives, like lactulose work better. Another treatment is citroma. If you symptoms do not improve see a doctor.

Question 5

how long after taking enema the bowel empties out? should one drink several glasses of water before taking enema?

Accepted Answer

: The amount of time it takes to have a bowel movement after taking an enema varies, depending on the amount of stool present, its consistency, etc. Typically, it works within a few hours but this can vary if the stool is very hard, there is a lot of it, etc. It does help to be well hydrated and to maintain hydration after the bowel movement. If constipation is a big problem for you, see a GI doctor

Question 6

i had to use a saline enema for a flex sig tomorrow. i don't think i used enough solution.  evacuated only liquid. says to contact dr if no bowel movm?

Accepted Answer

Contact your dr.: Follow instruction and contact your doctor.  The scoping would be worthless if the bowel is not clean.

Question 7

no bowel movement in 15 days. tried everything even enemas. should i go to the er?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If this is so. Go to er for treatment right away

Question 8

i struggle with having bowel movements. i usually have to do an enema weekly to get relief. what could cause that& ways 2 help get normal bm?

Accepted Answer

Been evaluated yet?: Doctors define constipation as stools less frequently than once every 3-4 days. Patients feel they are "constipated" when passing hard or small volume stool, or they feel full ; bloated. Had an x-ray to show you're not blocked? Do we know if your gut is sluggish or your rectum works correctly--these can be tested for. Don't get frustrated, but see a GI specialist for the correct treatment.

Question 9

i have not produced a bowel movement in 39 days. xrays and cts came back showing impaction but nothing serious. i've tried, meds, drinks, enemas etc.

Accepted Answer

Miralax (polyethylene glycol): I recommend drinking lots of water and using miralax, (polyethylene glycol) this type of fiber works with your body and doesn't necessarily forces you to use the bathroom but lets you decide when you want to go. Each person has different reactions to fiber and some can cause bloating to some while others to have the same symptoms, so it is important to try a few to see which one works best for you.

Question 10

i am 8 days post appendectomy. i am dealing with bowel irregularity even though i am off meds. would there be a risk doing enemas with this type of surgery? i usually respond well to enemas. i am already using still softeners?

Accepted Answer

: Should be no risks.  Might also try using miralax to move things along.

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Doctor answers about:

Large volume enema for bowel health

A member asked:

My 19 month old son suffers from constipation. he will not have bowel movements for maybe 2 days, then it will be big hard ones. weve had him on pegicol, weve given suppositories, weve done one enema. nothing changed. what should i do?

A member asked:

Is the barium enema exam of the large intestine safe for heart patients?

A member asked:

I've been told my bowel is very long and twisty - through bare um enemas - is this problematic?

A member asked:

I've tried exlax and dulcolax and still no bowel movement, enema next?

A member asked:

How long after taking enema the bowel empties out? should one drink several glasses of water before taking enema?

A member asked:

I had to use a saline enema for a flex sig tomorrow. i don't think i used enough solution. evacuated only liquid. says to contact dr if no bowel movm?

A member asked:

No bowel movement in 15 days. tried everything even enemas. should i go to the er?

A member asked:

I struggle with having bowel movements. i usually have to do an enema weekly to get relief. what could cause that& ways 2 help get normal bm?

A member asked:

I have not produced a bowel movement in 39 days. xrays and cts came back showing impaction but nothing serious. i've tried, meds, drinks, enemas etc.

A member asked:

I am 8 days post appendectomy. i am dealing with bowel irregularity even though i am off meds. would there be a risk doing enemas with this type of surgery? i usually respond well to enemas. i am already using still softeners?

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