TMI - Preop enema required?

stef123633 · 05-15-2008, 01:40 PM

Ok, I really hate to go here, so read no further if you didn't have to go here the night before your surgery. My dr. requires you to have a "fleet enema" the night before surgery. I've had 5 or 6 surgeries under general anesthesia before and this has never been required. I think it is a personal preference of my doctor??

Anyway, I'm reading the box and it looks like this is a two person event, LOL?! It has you "assuming position" before using it and the box speaks in context pointing out what the person receiving treatment should be doing, as if you'll need assistance when you're in this position?

Anyone, did you do this yourself? Did it work the first time (God forbid it takes twice)? Was it really horrible? This will be the worst part of the 24 hours leading up to and after...

Thanks!

coolcrystal · 05-15-2008, 02:09 PM

That's weird, I've never heard of anybody having to do this before. Are there any health reasons as to why you'd need to do this?

myellen · 05-15-2008, 02:17 PM

That is crazy. One possible reason is that your bowels do go to sleep also and it can be uncomfortable when they finally start moving again and you have had "stuff" in them.

My Doctor, and most others as I have seen, require you to go on a liquid diet 3 days or more before your surgery, and then FAST 8-24 hours before the surgery.

That alone should clean you out of any solids.

Ddem · 05-15-2008, 02:34 PM

I'm a bit confused. My doctor requires the Fleet as well, but it is the 1.5 DRINKABLE kind. You drink it - it clears you out for surgery.

Are you SURE your doctor isn't referring to the Fleets drink instead of the enema? The only time I have heard of that is when you are having the complete gastric bypass.

**FairyFacade** · 05-15-2008, 02:47 PM

My doctor required the drinkable enemas. (Magnesium Citrate) the night before the surgery. I assume since I had been on a liquid diet, not much action happened from it.

stef123633 · 05-15-2008, 04:19 PM

Thanks for the input everyone. There is no special reason they would have just me do this, it is in their day before surgery instructions. I got a call today to go in for a pre-op appointment tomorrow at the surgery center so I will ask about the drinkable fleet. Maybe I bought the wrong kind. The instructions are vague "use a fleet enema the night before surgery - can be bought at any pharmacy."

stef123633 · 05-15-2008, 04:23 PM

I just called to clarify. It is NOT drinkable. Fun, fun.

favorite · 05-15-2008, 04:40 PM

suppose fleet enemas do not work on you? they dont work on me. thats right, it goes in but it doesnt come out. i had to do liquid diet for 2 days before surgery and the night before magnesium citrate.