Water Soluble Enema

Hi . 

I had a gastrografin enema to check my Bowel join which I think may be the same thing and the gastrografin is the name of the dye- smells of aniseed!

The procedure was painless and just involved lying on my side while they inserted the tube in my bottom, pumped in the liquid and took some xrays. I also had to lie on my back which I worried would squash the tube but they assured me it would be ok. Once all this was done they showed me to a private ajoining bathroom and told me to stay as long as I wanted.

I sat on the toilet for ages and felt to be weeing out of my bottom - a very strange sensation having had a stoma for 15 months. I also seemed to pass what looked a bit like cigarette butts! which I presume were mucus plugs. Top tip - take your time and do not rush away after 10 minutes because, suddenly there will be a bit more, so give it at least 20 minutes. The nurse provided me with a big pad to wear and a protective little sheet to put on the car seat but I was fine. 

I had a late afternoon appointment so didn’t go back to work - I probably could have done but if I’m honest I don’t think I’d risk it just in case

I did not need a spare stoma bag and my stoma did not seem anymore active than usual. My stoma was not touched during the procedure and I kept the same bag on throughout.

Unfortunately reversals are not classed as priority operations but 6 months does still seem a long time - my surgeon said it was a ‘nice little operation to do in between the big ones’?!

Hope it all goes well

Take care

Karen x

Hi ,

I had a water soluble enema in September. On arrival I had to undress and put on a hospital gown. Then lying on my side the tube was inserted in my bottom. I was asked to turn this way and that, on the left, right, back and finally on my stomach (where I had to brace a little with my arms to prevent the stoma getting squashed). Depending on which way I was facing, I was able to see the screens and ask questions of the radiologist. The biggest challenge was to keep the rest of my bits covered with all this turning as I almost completely managed to turn myself out of the gown. So ask them to properly tie the gown at the back; that might help a little.

Finally back in the change rooms, and as Karen mentioned, be prepared to take your time there on the toilet. Because my stoma was closer to the back passage, a lot of the liquid did make it into the bag. Fortunately I was wearing drainable bags so could just drain it and did not need a bag change, although I did have my normal stock of emergency supplies with me just in case. For safety I took along clean underwear and some extra large pads; the latter you should be able to get from the hospital. I also had a pad to cover the car seat. In the end I did not need them, but better safe than sorry. But take your time; take a book to read or scroll through social media on your phone until you are sure whatever needs to come out, is out.

As I had an hour's drive back home, I took someone else's advice and did not rush back home straight away. Instead I went for a sandwich and coffee in the hospital restaurant, just so that I would be near a loo just in case. I spent at least half an hour there before setting off for home. I drove myself there and back, and ended up working from home that afternoon although I would have been perfectly fine in the office.

And then finally, are you doing any sphincter exercises? I think it was Kareno62 who described them to me as pulling the muscles tight, holding for a few seconds, then pulling them tighter like an elevator going up another level.

All the best,

Yolande

Good evening ladies, 

Thank you both so much for your support, sound advice and top tips. I certainly fell less worried now, just curious.

Yes, waiting for 6 months seems a very long time and when I questioned the surgeon (registrar in fact), he said that the NHS guideline for this sort of operation, which is classed as routine, is 11 months. Cancer cases always get priority and the others are done as and when. Can't argue with that, we've all been there. Just hope I may be as lucky as Karen and get squeezed in between the bigger ones. I'm seeing my Oncologist on 18 February and will ask if he could possibly pull a few strings and see what can be done. Anyway, need to get through this test first. 

Yolande- many thanks for the tip about the sphincter exercises. I have been practicing these but certainly need more, now the operation is slightly more than just a remote possibility. 

I have read Karen's story in this group and know what may happen post reversal. Thank you for sharing! 

Exciting times ahead I guess. In the meantime I will exercise, wait and hope that supplies will not get interrupted following today's vote. My bags and most accessories are Salts, except the remover spray, which is made by Hollister. 

Wish you both all the best and thank you again for your help and guidance. 

Irina x

Hello again, 

Had the procedure last Monday and am waiting to be contacted by the surgical team. 

Totally painless and uneventful test, very mild discomfort and was over before I knew it. Started at 10am and was back in the office at 11.49am. Was sent away with a maternity pad, which was not needed at all. Overall, pleasantly surprised how easy it was.

However the thought of waiting 6 months to get the reversal is agonising. I don't have physical problems with my ileostomy, get on with it and don't let it stop me from doing anything. I work, drive, swim and fly abroad, but I'm still desperate to be without it, if possible.

Has anyone had to wait this long? Or was it done sooner?

Hi and glad to hear that the procedure went well.

Unfortunately the hospitals are very busy at this time of year and this is classed as a non urgent type of op - if I rermber correctly I saw the surgeon mid February and had my reversal mid March. Have you read the recent thread titled stom reversal times?

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/ileostomy_and_colostomy_discussions/f/ileostomy_and_colostomy_discussions-forum/165513/stoma-reversal-waiting-times

Some of the other members have had success by chasing the surgeons secretary or making sure that they are on the cancellation list? It’s worth a try

Hope you get good news soon

Karen x

Hi

I had my enema x-ray on 3 September, and the reversal surgery on 10 October, so a five week wait. My surgeon was moving to a different hospital by the end of the year and wanted to do the reversal before he left. So it may have been a bit longer if not for that.

Hope you don't have too long of a wait.

Y.

My ileostomy was put back in October 2017in after a burst bowel caused by lymphoma

i was on reversal list for end of September but it was cancelled (inappropriately as it happens) as the anaesthetist was worried by what was just a very mild atrial flutter

anyway - had the reversal last week almost cancelled again - so very lucky

waiting to go home now after successful op

so lucky 

Hi All, 

Thank you for all your replies. 

A very quick update: results are fine, on Tuesday received a call from hospital asking me to come next day for pre op. Went there on Wednesday and had another call today - reversal, or as they call it, closure of ileostomy, is planned on 22.03, next Friday. 

My birthday is next Wednesday, couldn't wish for a better present! If all goes well, then it will have been 18 months and 18 days with a stoma, from start to finish. 

Not long now. Off to Primark tomorrow to get some cheap pjs and slippers for hospital.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Irina. 

Good luck - I had my reversal and some abdomen muscle revisioning 6 weeks ago - all went very well back to work yesterday- tired today - and still wary of coughing or sneezing!!

first fortnight a nightmare of loose or constipated bowel - since then improving daily and now pretty much as normal - all after having Stan the stoma for around 15 months following a lymphoma in small bowel perforating and causing peritonitis. So good to be back to normal eating and drinking 

hope all goes well 

nick 

Hi Irina

Wow what brilliant news. It’ll feel so strange after all that time but I’m sure you’ll quickly get used to it!

Have a lovely birthday - you’ll be able to have a fruit birthday cake next year instead of sponge!

Take care and let us know how it goes

Karen x