Pre RT Enema

Hi Daedalus, my husband was told to use the enemas even if he had had his bowels opened because it helps to remove gas ( wind) from the bowel. This, apparently, also needs removing.

hth and all the best for the treatment

Thanks WW

How will the RT staff react if I say I went this am, but not again following the enema - will they postpone the plan/treatment?

D

Hello Dedalus 

Just be honest with them - tell them of your bowel regularity and that you have used the enema as directed. Once they have you on the CT (it's a planning scan) they will tell you if it's good enough.

It's just possible they may ask you to either "try again" or "take a walk and come back in half an hour" but if you are honest and upfront you will be fine.

I hope it goes well for you.

Best wishes - Brian.

Pretty much the same as my experience. I would have a natural bowel movement then use the enema a little while later. It usually produced some results and I did feel like I needed to go.

See how you go on the water intake. After a few sessions I found that 350ml was enough to give me a full bladder and the need to pee about 45 mins after starting to drink. It depends on your anatomy and any residual you have in your bladder after peeing. Not uncommon in older man to have some residual urine in the bladder.

After a few sessions you will find what works for you and the RT team will let you know if you need to change anything.

Good luck

Rob

Hi Dedalus,  you will be absolutely fine.  It sounds like the enema isn’t required but just take it in case, it will not do any harm and might surprise you!

Let the team know and they can decide the best course of action for your proper RT.  Good luck. David

Don’t worry Dedalus - I used a micro enema for the planning scan , but the hospital where my treatment took place (newish LINAC machines) don’t prescribe enemas for men who have natural movements (I’m like you - first thing in the morning).  When I asked about it, they said that they want to avoid the chance of swelling in the bowel if it is irritated by daily enema use. 
AW

Thanks AW and everyone for replies.

I worry that a system that works gpod, can be upset.

I appreciate what WW says about wind.

I just don't want RT treatment postponed on the day because I can't tick the enema box.

IIRC Buzzers seemed to have postponements.

Incidentally, how are you doing following your RT treatment?  Are you fully comfortable down below?

Dedalus

Hello there- OH had similar concerns. It may be you don’t need if regular but as already mentioned they may prefer to be sure. If your bowel is empty they can tell on the scan and advise accordingly. With my OH they always checked and if bowel or bladder not right they would advise and try again a bit later. Make sure you know where all the loos are on your travels so you don’t get caught short. My OH always did his enema on arrival at hospital- it meant getting there earlier but he was close to a loo as our journey to hosp took about 40 mins. 
take care lovely and good it’s happening for you.( if anty can be good about this horrible disease.) take care xx

Thanks Hanandy

From what I recall with my Prostate RT   I had to pass water and then insert the enema and retain this for at least 10 minutes if possible.  If you are not able to pass a motion at that stage you just may not have anything in your rectum - and that is ok.  It is just to make sure the rectum is empty.  After that you have the 500 mls water to drink quickly and hold until after the RT  usually about 40 mins in all

Hope that helps