Hi Nicki, I will start by saying it is always a good idea to consult with your physician on these matters.
That said, I’m a T10 para, 36 years post injury and about 15 years ago my system started to slow down a lot, to the point where yearly urology X-rays of my abdomen always mentioned “much of the area is occluded by stool” meaning I was chronically constipated, this despite drinking plenty of water, eating right and getting lots of exercise. I had tried lots of options for bowel program with minimal results. Around 2012-2013 my urology/bowel nurse practitioner suggested trying the Peristeen system by Coloplast—it uses a ‘rectal foley’ catheter and hand pump system to introduce body temp tap water into the bowel. I found it works fantastic for me. Studies show it empties about 1/2 or more of the colon, which is about 24-inches on average. Compared to a standard bowel program that empties about 6-inches of colon. I’ve been using it for close to 10 years and have been accident free. As a bonus, it empties me so completely I find I feel much better in general. Caveat is that you do need a prescription, need a 45-minute training session, the key is finding out how much water is optimal for your system, too little and you don’t empty enough, too much and you keep emptying and emptying. Also and insurance coverage is spotty. Here is a link to the website: https://products.coloplast.us/coloplast/continence-care/peristeen/peristeen-tai/peristeen-balloon-catheter/peristeen-anal-irrigation-system/ <https://products.coloplast.us/coloplast/continence-care/peristeen/peristeen-tai/peristeen-balloon-catheter/peristeen-anal-irrigation-system/> Hope this helps, Bob V > On Oct 8, 2021, at 3:02 PM, Nichole Rohling <[email protected]> wrote: > > Has anyone or does anyone use a Tap Water Enema? > I had one once in the hospital. > My bowel program has been terrible and > basically my caregiver has to push and pull on > my rear to even get poop to come out. > Curious if anyone has experience doing a > tap water enema and could you share your thoughts. > > Nicki > C5/6
