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Original poster

I've booked a colonic! Has anyone had one? Advice pls.

34 replies

plantchef23 · 22/05/2023 22:08

As the tittle suggests, I've gone ahead and booked a colonic after years of thinking about it. I've had chronic constipation all my life. I go on average once a week, but lately I've felt super backed up and despite eating normally, my bowel movements are pretty small whenever I do have one and I'm just feeling really heavy around my midsection because of it.

I'm really hoping that a colonic will help clear me out, but I'm wondering if anyone else is willing to share any first hand experience about what to expect, if it helped them, etc. I'm quite nervous but also excited just to feel a bit back to normal again. I've heard it can take a few to clear you out and restore you back to normal, so I'm wondering if I can expect to notice a difference with the first one.

Have you had one? What did you think?

OP posts:
PrincessHoneysuckle · 22/05/2023 22:20

It made me panic because it felt like I was going to shit myself there and then.The woman doing it assured me it was a normal feeling but I had to stop and leave.
I'm sure it's not like that for everyone though

Doggymummar · 22/05/2023 22:22

I can't believe these are still going. I had a few in the 80s and 90s. It's fascinating. Make sure you have the rest of the day off as you will probably leak for a while. I cried and cried it's quite emotionally draining.

determinedtomakethiswork · 22/05/2023 22:24

Oh God, I remember Sarah Ferguson and Diane doing this!

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Original poster
plantchef23 · 22/05/2023 22:26

PrincessHoneysuckle · 22/05/2023 22:20

It made me panic because it felt like I was going to shit myself there and then.The woman doing it assured me it was a normal feeling but I had to stop and leave.
I'm sure it's not like that for everyone though

Eeek! Sorry to hear this! But at this point I'd welcome the relief of shitting myself in the comfort of a room where I'm meant to do so lol

OP posts:
Atishoos · 22/05/2023 22:26

Would you not consider asking GP to arrange for a colonoscopy instead? The prep will clear you out, and may identify the issue causing the constipation in a much safer environment than a colon cleansing room. I'm not sure they do much anyway. I'd prefer medical supervision for anything involving my insides TBH.

But it's your colon and best of luck anyway.

cocksstrideintheevening · 22/05/2023 22:27

I didn't realise they were still a thing.

Original poster
plantchef23 · 22/05/2023 22:29

Doggymummar · 22/05/2023 22:22

I can't believe these are still going. I had a few in the 80s and 90s. It's fascinating. Make sure you have the rest of the day off as you will probably leak for a while. I cried and cried it's quite emotionally draining.

Really? Why is that? I don't know much about them. Were they a fad back in the 80's / 90's? From what I've researched they've been around for centuries, but become much less common in the 1920's with the introduction of 'modern medicine' and medication.

Can you elaborate on the emotionally draining but please? Why is that and is it a common wide effect?

OP posts:
FlamingMadKatie · 22/05/2023 22:30

I understand that they will wash you out but in doing so, they wash away the mucus that is essential for your body to pass stools. Essentially, if you use colonic irrigation you will need to continue with it regularly to be able to pass any stools. It is not to be recommended. Look to your diet and lifestyle for longer term
relief. This was the advice given to a relative from her oncologist.

AnnieSaxophone · 22/05/2023 22:31

Are you eating something you’re intolerant of / find difficult to digest? That slows digestion and will cause constipation. Dairy and sugar are the main culprits for this.

Ollifer · 22/05/2023 22:36

I wouldn't get one. I have to use laxatives occasionally as have a sluggish bowel but feel a colonic is more invasive and not actually medically beneficial. Can you go and see your GP and ask their advice before you go ahead ? I totally sympathise with chronic constipation...it's hell.

Original poster
plantchef23 · 22/05/2023 22:39

Interesting feedback. I've been chronically constipated almost all my life. I have endometriosis and the scar tissue has fused itself to my bowels making it very difficult to go. I have tried a huge range of diets along with supplements from doctors. Sennakot Max has been the only thing that's worked for me, and my doctor has actually told me to continue taking it regularly. But at the moment there is some kind of shortage and it's very hard to get. The store brand senna is not effective, and I've even resorted to taking 6 regular strength generic senna capsules (equivalent of 3 Sennakot max) and still not had a bowel movement the next morning.

I know I've not been drinking enough water recently, so am trying to up my intake, but that doesn't account for 30 years of constipation 😢

OP posts:
Ollifer · 22/05/2023 22:40

I also have endometriosis op. I use the dulcolax suppositories when needed....they work in about 20 minutes 🤣 quite violently sometimes

Groutyonehereagain · 22/05/2023 22:42

FFS see your GP. It’s absolute madness to do what you’re planning.

Soproudoflionesses · 22/05/2023 22:43

I had one - no drama. Not much benefit to me as am regular anyway

SerenityNowInsanityLater · 22/05/2023 22:45

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

BTMadmummy · 22/05/2023 22:47

plantchef23 · 22/05/2023 22:39

Interesting feedback. I've been chronically constipated almost all my life. I have endometriosis and the scar tissue has fused itself to my bowels making it very difficult to go. I have tried a huge range of diets along with supplements from doctors. Sennakot Max has been the only thing that's worked for me, and my doctor has actually told me to continue taking it regularly. But at the moment there is some kind of shortage and it's very hard to get. The store brand senna is not effective, and I've even resorted to taking 6 regular strength generic senna capsules (equivalent of 3 Sennakot max) and still not had a bowel movement the next morning.

I know I've not been drinking enough water recently, so am trying to up my intake, but that doesn't account for 30 years of constipation 😢

Tbh if you have scar tissue fused to your bowel I'd be wary of getting this done. Just be careful it couldn't cause damage

spuddel · 22/05/2023 22:49

I had one years ago after a period of really bad impaction due to being on insufficient thyroid medication. Was very odd watching the contents of your bowel float down a clear tube in front of you Grin I liked the feeling afterwards and swore I'd make it a regular thing but then read that it can cleanse out the good bacteria and mucus like someone said. Now if I need any help I take a spoonful of Chia seeds and nuts with Greek yoghurt. Works like a charm.

79abbot · 22/05/2023 22:50

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEEfB7jiHPX/?utmsource=iggwebcopyylink&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Maybe you want to watch this to reassure yourself? I am sure you will be perfectly fine!
Good luck.

monsteramunch · 22/05/2023 22:50

Please, please don't go ahead with this without speaking to your GP and getting their go ahead. I don't think it sounds sensible medically though I do appreciate how horrible constipation is.

It's such a complicated and sensitive area of your body and has already been through a lot of trauma with your endo, please don't risk any further complications by doing this without medical approval from someone with access to your full medical history.

WillowtreeHouse · 22/05/2023 22:52

In your circumstances, I absolutely would not get this done, you could do more harm than good. There are medical interventions that can really help with chronic constipation so please go back to your GP. Or change your GP.

WillowtreeHouse · 22/05/2023 22:53

monsteramunch · 22/05/2023 22:50

Please, please don't go ahead with this without speaking to your GP and getting their go ahead. I don't think it sounds sensible medically though I do appreciate how horrible constipation is.

It's such a complicated and sensitive area of your body and has already been through a lot of trauma with your endo, please don't risk any further complications by doing this without medical approval from someone with access to your full medical history.

Absolutely agree.

007DoubleOSeven · 22/05/2023 22:56

I think you'd be better off posting on the Mumsnet AMA with Sophie Medlin.

And in seeing your gp.

Minxyjinx · 22/05/2023 22:59

Speak to your gp about a referral to a bladder and bowel service, there are some great products out there that may be suitable ie qufora cone system or peristeen, this is gentle irrigation you can self administer either via hand pump or gravity fed that i have used on patients (community nurse) that have really helped solve their constipation in a safe way.

justasking111 · 22/05/2023 23:02

Please get medical advice. Have you been referred for a colonoscopy before?

timetorefresh · 22/05/2023 23:02

You'll just completely fuck up your normal gut bacteria and be worse off in the long run. Go and see your GP!

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