Procedure for Enema Administration

If you try to self-administer an enema, suspend the hook at a proper height and place the bath towel in the proper position.

The water temperature should be little more than the body temperature. Be very careful about this because water that is too hot could damage mucosa while it could cause cramps if it is too cold.

If you have a combination hot water bottle and syringe, or an enema can, empty the sachet of castile soap into it and then fill it with warm water. For disposable bags, fill the bag with one-third water and thereafter pour the castile soap. This may prevent any running out of enema solution after expelling of the air.

It is preferable to use distilled water or other sterile water. Lubricate the rectal nozzle with Vaseline, K-Y jelly, or cold cream. Lubricate your anal area thoroughly with the lubricant.

Some people lubricate the inner area of their rectum which is difficult to try to make a protective covering against the effects of the passage of the hard wastes during the enema.

Hang the enema bag on the hook.

Lie in the proper position. Maintain control of the shut-off bag with your left hand. If lying on the bathroom floor, lie on your back with both legs drawn up and knees bent. Use one or two pillows underneath your chest and lean on them if somebody else is giving you an enema. Insert the rectal tube gently and not too far into the rectum. Gently rotate and twist the tube for better insertion.

Open the shut-off valve and allow the solution to flow gently. If you feel any discomfort, stop the flow for some time and start again when you are ready. You can interrupt the flow as many times as you want. Taking small and deep breaths in between may also be helpful. You will feel full once the enema progresses.

Once you empty the bag of solution, clamp the shut-off, and remove the rectal tube slowly.

Remain in the same position for some time to retain the solution for the length of time which your doctor advised you. Go the toilet and expel the enema. You may require many visits to the toilet, as the enema is not likely to be entirely expelled with a single visit. Clean any multi-use equipment thoroughly with appropriate cleaning agents and hang it up to dry completely.

It is very important that the equipment be cleaned to a very high standard.

Source of Information : Your Guide to Colon Cleansing by By Peter Mason