since I had a quite serious back fusion where a nerve or nerves got damaged , I was unable to go poop on my own.! somehow lost motility. laxatives made my situation scary as I had no idea when they would decide to work and I was incontinent so not able to holdback and run to the toilet . So it was NOT something I could live with socially. One friend told me to use enemas. I started them in 2015 and 10 yrs later am still using them every morning after breakfast daily. I hang the bag on a hook beside the toilet and insert. The downside is time spent in the morning doing about 6 quart size enemas , and waiting for the results which look like diarrhea, until it runs clear, then I take a shower. It seemed to take less time at first, maybe 1 hour, but gradually became longer, like 2 hours, so I take my computer and spend my time reading the news, while doing the procedure.I dont feel like I waste my time this way..
The UPSIDE is that after the enema, I am able to have a normal life, no accidents, go out , travel the world , do yoga and hiking ,swimming , like a normal human. I use a small pad on my panties just for protection, in case some water still leaks out, but that's rare. I do have some rectal pressure in the late afternoons and evenings and thought I might have a rectal prolapse , but went to many doctors that said I was normal, surgery would not help.. So I think some gas does get trapped in there and cause me some discomfort, but I have learned to live with that. I dont think its related to the enema, its probably that I have a bit of SIBO that causes gas and I have some trouble passing it, so the pressure builds up until all gas is released. Of course I no longer can go camping ,(cannot use pit toilets for my procedure!) I can only stay in places where I can hang an enema bag , and have a sink nearby to fill up with water, and have privacy. Also I avoid early morning appointments, as I am usually only done by 10 or 11 am unless I wake up really early.. But I refused to do colostomy as many rectal doctors offered as a solution. I think to me that would be a lot worse emotionally to handle. I still can wear a bikini at age 75 and look pretty good.