how much water do daily enema users use

Please feel free to read, share your thoughts, your stories and connect with others!
User avatar
susie0915
Posts: 945
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2017 8:17 am
Facebook Username: Susan DeGrazia Hostetter
Location: Michigan

how much water do daily enema users use

Postby susie0915 » Mon Jan 01, 2018 12:29 pm

I have been doing the daily enema for almost a year now with good success. I have been using a 2 qt clear enema bag. Lately, during the past few weeks I have had about 6 times where I have had leakage a few hours after my enema was administered and have thought I was totally emptied. I'm wondering if I should reduce the amount of water I am using and by how much? How just don't understand why I would have this problem so long after I have been doing the enemas without really any problems like this as often as I am experiencing now.
58 yrs old Dx @ 55
5/15 DX T3N0MO
6/15 5 wks chemo/rad
7/15 sigmoidoscopy/only scar tissue left
8/15 PET scan NED
9/15 LAR
0/24 nodes
10/15 blockage. surgery,early ileo rev, c-diff inf :(
12/15 6 rds of xelox
5/16 CT lung scarring/inflammation
9/16 clear colonoscopy
4/17 C 4mm lung nod
10/17 pel/abd CT NED
11/17 CEA<.5
1/18 CT/Lung no change in 4mm nodule
5/18 CEA<.5, CT pel/abd/lung NED
11/18 CEA .6
5/19 CT NED, CEA <.5
10/19 Clear colonscopy
11/19 CEA <.5

User avatar
susie0915
Posts: 945
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2017 8:17 am
Facebook Username: Susan DeGrazia Hostetter
Location: Michigan

Re: how much water do daily enema users use

Postby susie0915 » Mon Jan 01, 2018 3:16 pm

I think I'm going to start reducing the amount of water to the point I'm using the least amount with sufficient results. I'm sure this is something that probably requires constant adjustments as needed. Still the best thing for me and 98% of the time works wonders.
58 yrs old Dx @ 55
5/15 DX T3N0MO
6/15 5 wks chemo/rad
7/15 sigmoidoscopy/only scar tissue left
8/15 PET scan NED
9/15 LAR
0/24 nodes
10/15 blockage. surgery,early ileo rev, c-diff inf :(
12/15 6 rds of xelox
5/16 CT lung scarring/inflammation
9/16 clear colonoscopy
4/17 C 4mm lung nod
10/17 pel/abd CT NED
11/17 CEA<.5
1/18 CT/Lung no change in 4mm nodule
5/18 CEA<.5, CT pel/abd/lung NED
11/18 CEA .6
5/19 CT NED, CEA <.5
10/19 Clear colonscopy
11/19 CEA <.5

Lee
Posts: 6207
Joined: Sun Apr 16, 2006 4:09 pm

Re: how much water do daily enema users use

Postby Lee » Mon Jan 01, 2018 4:14 pm

susie0915 wrote:I think I'm going to start reducing the amount of water to the point I'm using the least amount with sufficient results. I'm sure this is something that probably requires constant adjustments as needed. Still the best thing for me and 98% of the time works wonders.


You might be right about adjustments as needed. I'm gonna throw this out there. Maybe during the winter months, your body does not need as much liquid. I live in Phoenix, during the hot summer, water is a constant. You almost carry water with you at all times. I know during the winter months, i can leave the house and not worry about bring a bottle with me.

I used to live in the UP. On a military base (K.I. Sawyer) near Marguette, MI. LOVED it up there. If I remember, humidity was year round (maybe due to Lake Superior). Is that also true where you live? If so, does it change with the season?

Good luck,

Lee
rectal cancer - April 2004
46 yrs old at diagnoses
stage III C - 6/13 lymph positive
radiation - 6 weeks
surgery - August 2004/hernia repair 2014
permanent colostomy
chemo - FOLFOX
NED - 16 years and counting!

User avatar
susie0915
Posts: 945
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2017 8:17 am
Facebook Username: Susan DeGrazia Hostetter
Location: Michigan

Re: how much water do daily enema users use

Postby susie0915 » Mon Jan 01, 2018 4:37 pm

That's a good thought. Marquette is way up there. Lot's of snow in the winter. Although, we do have alot now. I'm in a suburb of Detroit. I don't think it's as humid here in the winter. I just wonder if the less water would alleviate having some get caught up higher in the colon and maybe doesn't always move down until later. Maybe sitting in a spot that is curved. I just thought it is strange that all of a sudden it has happened 4-5 times in the last 3 weeks when it's only happened 4-5 times before during the last year. I'll try a little less tomorrow. Maybe my body just needs less as my lower bowel is not that full since I do every day, just wonder why all of the sudden.I emailed my gastro, so I'll see what he says also. Happy New Year Lee. Thanks for your input.
58 yrs old Dx @ 55
5/15 DX T3N0MO
6/15 5 wks chemo/rad
7/15 sigmoidoscopy/only scar tissue left
8/15 PET scan NED
9/15 LAR
0/24 nodes
10/15 blockage. surgery,early ileo rev, c-diff inf :(
12/15 6 rds of xelox
5/16 CT lung scarring/inflammation
9/16 clear colonoscopy
4/17 C 4mm lung nod
10/17 pel/abd CT NED
11/17 CEA<.5
1/18 CT/Lung no change in 4mm nodule
5/18 CEA<.5, CT pel/abd/lung NED
11/18 CEA .6
5/19 CT NED, CEA <.5
10/19 Clear colonscopy
11/19 CEA <.5

tammylayne
Posts: 2177
Joined: Fri Jul 16, 2010 9:24 am

Re: how much water do daily enema users use

Postby tammylayne » Mon Jan 01, 2018 7:51 pm

I had that issue a few years back and my surgeon recommended reducing the amount. I now use roughly 1.5 to 2 cups...so maybe 16 oz?. Sometimes a little more or less, it doesn't need to be exact...but half of what I did in the beginning. Results of cleanout are just as good. Try,,,you can always add more the next time.
51 F
'06 Stage 1 CC,
'10 Stage 3 Rectal

"You never know how strong you are until you have to become your own hero."

tammylayne
Posts: 2177
Joined: Fri Jul 16, 2010 9:24 am

Re: how much water do daily enema users use

Postby tammylayne » Mon Jan 01, 2018 7:53 pm

Another thought...is it possible there is a food you ate on those occasions that didnt agree with you, and you are assuming it was water amount?
51 F
'06 Stage 1 CC,
'10 Stage 3 Rectal

"You never know how strong you are until you have to become your own hero."

User avatar
susie0915
Posts: 945
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2017 8:17 am
Facebook Username: Susan DeGrazia Hostetter
Location: Michigan

Re: how much water do daily enema users use

Postby susie0915 » Mon Jan 01, 2018 9:03 pm

That may be possible I'm not sure. I will have to pay more attention. I'm used to eating whatever anymore. If I can use less water with same results that would make the whole process even better. Happy New Year Tammy.
58 yrs old Dx @ 55
5/15 DX T3N0MO
6/15 5 wks chemo/rad
7/15 sigmoidoscopy/only scar tissue left
8/15 PET scan NED
9/15 LAR
0/24 nodes
10/15 blockage. surgery,early ileo rev, c-diff inf :(
12/15 6 rds of xelox
5/16 CT lung scarring/inflammation
9/16 clear colonoscopy
4/17 C 4mm lung nod
10/17 pel/abd CT NED
11/17 CEA<.5
1/18 CT/Lung no change in 4mm nodule
5/18 CEA<.5, CT pel/abd/lung NED
11/18 CEA .6
5/19 CT NED, CEA <.5
10/19 Clear colonscopy
11/19 CEA <.5

User avatar
susie0915
Posts: 945
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2017 8:17 am
Facebook Username: Susan DeGrazia Hostetter
Location: Michigan

Re: how much water do daily enema users use

Postby susie0915 » Thu Jan 04, 2018 1:10 pm

tammylayne wrote:I had that issue a few years back and my surgeon recommended reducing the amount. I now use roughly 1.5 to 2 cups...so maybe 16 oz?. Sometimes a little more or less, it doesn't need to be exact...but half of what I did in the beginning. Results of cleanout are just as good. Try,,,you can always add more the next time.

Tammy, when you reduced your water did you cut in half right away? I've been reducing very little every day and had a couple good days but today had leakage about 4 hours later. I think I used about 6 cups. I'm wondering if I should cut another cup tomorrow and see what happens. I probably only reduced maybe one cup over the past few days.
58 yrs old Dx @ 55
5/15 DX T3N0MO
6/15 5 wks chemo/rad
7/15 sigmoidoscopy/only scar tissue left
8/15 PET scan NED
9/15 LAR
0/24 nodes
10/15 blockage. surgery,early ileo rev, c-diff inf :(
12/15 6 rds of xelox
5/16 CT lung scarring/inflammation
9/16 clear colonoscopy
4/17 C 4mm lung nod
10/17 pel/abd CT NED
11/17 CEA<.5
1/18 CT/Lung no change in 4mm nodule
5/18 CEA<.5, CT pel/abd/lung NED
11/18 CEA .6
5/19 CT NED, CEA <.5
10/19 Clear colonscopy
11/19 CEA <.5

User avatar
susie0915
Posts: 945
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2017 8:17 am
Facebook Username: Susan DeGrazia Hostetter
Location: Michigan

Re: how much water do daily enema users use

Postby susie0915 » Thu Jan 04, 2018 1:19 pm

susie0915 wrote:
tammylayne wrote:I had that issue a few years back and my surgeon recommended reducing the amount. I now use roughly 1.5 to 2 cups...so maybe 16 oz?. Sometimes a little more or less, it doesn't need to be exact...but half of what I did in the beginning. Results of cleanout are just as good. Try,,,you can always add more the next time.

Tammy, when you reduced your water did you cut in half right away? I've been reducing very little every day and had a couple good days but today had leakage about 4 hours later. I think I used about 6 cups. I'm wondering if I should cut another cup tomorrow and see what happens. I probably only reduced maybe one cup over the past few days.

It's just for weird that I have this problem after almost a year of doing them. It's happened 3 times this past week and about 4 hours after I'm done with the enema.
Maybe I just need an adjustment for some reason I don't know.
58 yrs old Dx @ 55
5/15 DX T3N0MO
6/15 5 wks chemo/rad
7/15 sigmoidoscopy/only scar tissue left
8/15 PET scan NED
9/15 LAR
0/24 nodes
10/15 blockage. surgery,early ileo rev, c-diff inf :(
12/15 6 rds of xelox
5/16 CT lung scarring/inflammation
9/16 clear colonoscopy
4/17 C 4mm lung nod
10/17 pel/abd CT NED
11/17 CEA<.5
1/18 CT/Lung no change in 4mm nodule
5/18 CEA<.5, CT pel/abd/lung NED
11/18 CEA .6
5/19 CT NED, CEA <.5
10/19 Clear colonscopy
11/19 CEA <.5

User avatar
susie0915
Posts: 945
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2017 8:17 am
Facebook Username: Susan DeGrazia Hostetter
Location: Michigan

Re: how much water do daily enema users use

Postby susie0915 » Thu Jan 04, 2018 1:30 pm

susie0915 wrote:
susie0915 wrote:
tammylayne wrote:I had that issue a few years back and my surgeon recommended reducing the amount. I now use roughly 1.5 to 2 cups...so maybe 16 oz?. Sometimes a little more or less, it doesn't need to be exact...but half of what I did in the beginning. Results of cleanout are just as good. Try,,,you can always add more the next time.

Tammy, when you reduced your water did you cut in half right away? I've been reducing very little every day and had a couple good days but today had leakage about 4 hours later. I think I used about 6 cups. I'm wondering if I should cut another cup tomorrow and see what happens. I probably only reduced maybe one cup over the past few days.

It's just for weird that I have this problem after almost a year of doing them. It's happened 3 times this past week and about 4 hours after I'm done with the enema.
Maybe I just need an adjustment for some reason I don't know.

I hate for this not to work for me anymore. I really felt I found the answer
58 yrs old Dx @ 55
5/15 DX T3N0MO
6/15 5 wks chemo/rad
7/15 sigmoidoscopy/only scar tissue left
8/15 PET scan NED
9/15 LAR
0/24 nodes
10/15 blockage. surgery,early ileo rev, c-diff inf :(
12/15 6 rds of xelox
5/16 CT lung scarring/inflammation
9/16 clear colonoscopy
4/17 C 4mm lung nod
10/17 pel/abd CT NED
11/17 CEA<.5
1/18 CT/Lung no change in 4mm nodule
5/18 CEA<.5, CT pel/abd/lung NED
11/18 CEA .6
5/19 CT NED, CEA <.5
10/19 Clear colonscopy
11/19 CEA <.5

tammylayne
Posts: 2177
Joined: Fri Jul 16, 2010 9:24 am

Re: how much water do daily enema users use

Postby tammylayne » Fri Jan 05, 2018 12:07 am

I cut it right in half...did not wean down. I would ben surprised if I use more then 2 cups.

Why not experiment over the weekend? Go down to half and see what happens.

And another trick I have discovered...massaging my lower back right at my buttocks in a vigourous circular motion while I sit on the toilet. Stimulates things like crazy...gets it going!

Fingers crossed...
51 F
'06 Stage 1 CC,
'10 Stage 3 Rectal

"You never know how strong you are until you have to become your own hero."

User avatar
susie0915
Posts: 945
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2017 8:17 am
Facebook Username: Susan DeGrazia Hostetter
Location: Michigan

Re: how much water do daily enema users use

Postby susie0915 » Fri Jan 05, 2018 9:41 am

tammylayne wrote:I cut it right in half...did not wean down. I would ben surprised if I use more then 2 cups.

Why not experiment over the weekend? Go down to half and see what happens.

And another trick I have discovered...massaging my lower back right at my buttocks in a vigourous circular motion while I sit on the toilet. Stimulates things like crazy...gets it going!

Fingers crossed...

Thanks Tammy. I measured what I've been using and it's 8 cups. I cut down to 6 cups this morning. Been almost 2 hours and so far so good. I'll see how it goes next few hours and may cut back more the next few days, as long as I get good results. Just weird that issues arose after almost a year of doing the same regimen. I think if I'm doing everyday don't probably need as much water. My GI said to cut the water or maybe skip a day in between. I really don't want to skip a day, as it makes the process more difficult if more stool in colon. Thanks for the advice. So helpful.
58 yrs old Dx @ 55
5/15 DX T3N0MO
6/15 5 wks chemo/rad
7/15 sigmoidoscopy/only scar tissue left
8/15 PET scan NED
9/15 LAR
0/24 nodes
10/15 blockage. surgery,early ileo rev, c-diff inf :(
12/15 6 rds of xelox
5/16 CT lung scarring/inflammation
9/16 clear colonoscopy
4/17 C 4mm lung nod
10/17 pel/abd CT NED
11/17 CEA<.5
1/18 CT/Lung no change in 4mm nodule
5/18 CEA<.5, CT pel/abd/lung NED
11/18 CEA .6
5/19 CT NED, CEA <.5
10/19 Clear colonscopy
11/19 CEA <.5

tammylayne
Posts: 2177
Joined: Fri Jul 16, 2010 9:24 am

Re: how much water do daily enema users use

Postby tammylayne » Fri Jan 05, 2018 10:30 pm

Well???? How did your
day go? Better?
51 F
'06 Stage 1 CC,
'10 Stage 3 Rectal

"You never know how strong you are until you have to become your own hero."

User avatar
susie0915
Posts: 945
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2017 8:17 am
Facebook Username: Susan DeGrazia Hostetter
Location: Michigan

Re: how much water do daily enema users use

Postby susie0915 » Sat Jan 06, 2018 9:05 am

tammylayne wrote:Well???? How did your
day go? Better?

It was a good day. Did a little less today too. Probably less than 6 cups. Feeling good right now. We will see how the next couple weeks go. Leaking wasn't happening everyday so if I do well the next couple weeks I may have found the answer, and may reduce the water a little more. I have to say even with the leaking that happened the last couple weeks (only once a few hours later), it still beats being in the bathroom constantly before enemas. I will get this figured out, just a little blip.
58 yrs old Dx @ 55
5/15 DX T3N0MO
6/15 5 wks chemo/rad
7/15 sigmoidoscopy/only scar tissue left
8/15 PET scan NED
9/15 LAR
0/24 nodes
10/15 blockage. surgery,early ileo rev, c-diff inf :(
12/15 6 rds of xelox
5/16 CT lung scarring/inflammation
9/16 clear colonoscopy
4/17 C 4mm lung nod
10/17 pel/abd CT NED
11/17 CEA<.5
1/18 CT/Lung no change in 4mm nodule
5/18 CEA<.5, CT pel/abd/lung NED
11/18 CEA .6
5/19 CT NED, CEA <.5
10/19 Clear colonscopy
11/19 CEA <.5

tammylayne
Posts: 2177
Joined: Fri Jul 16, 2010 9:24 am

Re: how much water do daily enema users use

Postby tammylayne » Fri Jan 12, 2018 12:41 pm

How is it going?
51 F
'06 Stage 1 CC,
'10 Stage 3 Rectal

"You never know how strong you are until you have to become your own hero."


Return to “Colon Talk - Colon cancer (colorectal cancer) support forum”



Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 85 guests