Has anyone used anal irrigation as an aid against constipation.There are several manufacturers of such equipment on the market with the best known as Qufora [a Danish company]-Prescription only.It’s often Prescribed for women who have experienced pelvic floor damage after giving birth. Any experience of usage of such equipment [Good and bad]would be welcome but it might prove useful adjunct to orally administered aids to counteract Parkinsons constipation?
Hello,
I have been using Anal Irrigation for some time, I use a system supplied by Rapidcare which was introduced to me by the Bowel & Bladder nurses. I evacuate my bowel every day and self irrigate when I consider it necessary, It is - or was - easy to operate. I am elderly and am beginning to find it physically difficult due to the the constraints imposed by advancing PD. However, I have no hesitation in recommending self-irrigation - much of the anxiety due to constipation and incontinence is removed.
Gerrard
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Hi Grober,
Please be careful with this, I have heard of a fair amount of problems and damage caused.
Please go onto the Quackwatch.org, Consumer Health Digest for their comments.
National Council Against Health Fraud, and search Colonic Irrigation ( Anal irrigation)
I have included a report by the Mayo Clinic regarding this as well.
Colon cleansing can be dangerous. Coffee enemas have been linked to many deaths. And in general, colon cleansing also can cause less serious side effects. These include cramping, bloating, diarrhea, upset stomach and vomiting. For some bowel conditions such as colitis or a blocked intestine, colon cleansing can lead to worse symptoms. It also can lead to complications such as bleeding in the digestive tract.
Other risks of colon cleansing include:
- Losing too much fluid, also called dehydration.
- A tear in the rectum, also called a perforation, caused by placing a tube in the rectum.
- Infection.
- A change in the balance of important minerals in the body called electrolytes. This can be dangerous if you have kidney or heart disease, or other health conditions.
Thank the Lord I didn’t read the report from CliveV before I commenced Anal Irrigation. I would probably never have done so. As it is, after 3 years, I have had no repetitionj of the Hernia I suffered due to constipation and no longer have to contend with soiled clothing and the anxiety of incontinence,
Gerrard
Hello All
Interesting debate this as constipation affects so many of us.
I am fortunate, at the moment anyway, to have only occasional problems with this particular symptom but when I had my bathroom refitted several years ago I decided to have an electronic seat fitted at the same time - in effect a combined bidet and flush, New to the market at the time but now more common and cheaper, Although not needed at the time has proved to be an excellent decision. The reason I mention this is one of the options is called turbo - unfortunate name I always thought as it sounds like something awful when it acrually isn’t - and it’s purpose is to help loosen faeces when constipated whatsmore it works, It doesn’t clear them but helps make it easier to move your bowels. As I said not a major problem for me but I have been grateful for it from time to time. Just thought it worth mentioning as an add-on to the general discussion,
Tot
Hello Tot,
How fortuitous we should cross paths at this time, I am currently discussing replacing my existing toilet with a combined Bidet/Toilet. I am aware of the advantages - are there any particular problems I should look out for?
Gerrard
Hello Gerrard
It is an interesting question you ask because I do know that people are sometimes disappointed when they have had one fitted but I think that it is because they expect it to solve all the problems.
I personally don’t have any ‘cons’ or problems associated with having installed a combined toilet/bidet, but I can tell you a few things that perhaps you didn’t know.
There is a bit of a learning curve which may surprise you, but most do require a bit of trial and error to get them set up to suit the individual - things like adjusting the spray or position of the nozzle. Until this is right you may find it doesn’t clean you properly, water can spill over or clothing may get a bit wet for example.
There are complaints that they don’t clean thoroughly, that is not my experience and can only assume it is not properly set up.
Some say they don’t dry properly but there’s nothing to stop you running the dry cycle again and pressing the stop button part way through when you are dry.
You may find it doesn’t mean you will never have to use toilet paper again but you will use considerably less. Most of the time I don’t need to use any.
Mine is plumbed in which makes it virtually maintenance free but the nozzles do need to be kept clean - not a difficult job but one that some didn’t know would be needed.
I have not personally seen much difference but they use more water and I have seen some complain of a rise in their water bills. I am not doubting anyone who finds this but I think they must have quite serious toileting issues for there to be a notable hike in their bills. I have never seen anyone suggest it increases their electricity bill so I don’t know how true the water bill increase is.
My control is fixed to the wall beside the wc and within easy reach so my hands are free, I have heard of people who have to hold the control to operate it and have to keep picking it up and putting it down which I would find a major faff.
Many of these are not perhaps conventional problems but nevertheless can put people off or regret installing one. I don’t use mine all the time but frequently enough to be grateful I have it.
If there is one piece of advice I would give that could make using the toilet much easier, it is simply consider the height. Obviously if you are 6’3” and your partner is 4’8” there may need to be compromise. Standard toilets are only 16 “. The average length from floor to back of the knee is 18”. Those 2” can make transferring on and off the wc much more difficult; less likely to have control when sitting and increased difficulty when standing. Initiating the movement to lift your torso and head over your knees (the heaviest body parts) when effectively going uphill if using a standard wc takes more energy and increases risks of falling. I took the opportunity to put in a higher wc and with the electronic seat is now 19” floor to seat. I know this has nothing to do with what you asked but it is the thing that can make such a big difference in terms of eas of use and safety.
I hope this helps and good luck with your plans
Tot
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Hi Tot,
Many thanks for your very detailed response. It is evident that the installation and subsequent use of a Bidet is more complicated than I had anticipated. I was hoping it would make my life much smoother.
My toilet requirements now dictate my daily routine and I am finding them quite stressful My day begins
with irrigation which is physically demanding and difficult due to my age and P.D. I have had Parky for12 years, The irrigation is quite a performance and frequently finishes in a mess which I have to clean up, I am quite frail now and searching for anything which makes life easier. I was hoping that a Bidet would fill this roll but I suspect it needs more attention than I am able to give. I am re-assessing whether to proceed. Best Wishes,
Gerrard
Hello Gerrard
Have you actually seen one? How much do you know about them? I don’t want my comments to put you off if it would help. However if you expect it to be a simple solution that solves all your problems you could be disappointed, If you go into it armed with questions specific to your needs and find a reliable source to address them it may be right for you most if not all the time.
As a by the by, and I don’t know if this is of any use to you, but I once knew a lady with advanced MS and constipation was a major problem for her solved by regular visits by a district nurse to administer an enema, It made all the difference to her.
Is tnere anything I can clarify for you? I do understand it is a huge problem and not easily solved but if I can help any more please do ask and I will see what I can do. As I said I am lucky constipation is not a big issue for me and the combined wc/bidet works but I do know some are disappointed because they see it as the answer to the whole problem and it certainly isn’t that.
Tot
Hi Tot,
You gave a very fair and balanced description of your experience with the Bidet. It was all the more persuasive because it was so rational. My PD symptoms are now quite advanced - I no longer have full use of my hands which shake considerably and have difficulty coping with anything intricate and fiddly. I am still looking at Bidets but am coming
around to the view that I would be unable to cope, Please do not imagine that you have destroyed my vision - you have made me aware of issues I had never considered and I am extremely grateful for your input. Over the years, I have referred to this forum intermitently and it is on occasions like this that I am made aware of its value.
Best Wishes,
Gerrard
Thank you for that Gerrard. I always try to be honest in any reply I give but it is not easy when you only know what people choose to disclose. I very much apppreciate what you have written, I was just concerned you may have had a knee jerk reaction rather than helping you have a considered response. I wish I could offer something that coulld help as it is clearly a complex and difficult symptom to deal with every day. If I hear of anything or maybe even have a rare light bulb moment, I will of course let you know. For now just try to remember that however hard it may be, every day you manage this very complex situation is another day Parkinson’s has not beaten you; despite it giving you adaily battle, you are winning…
Tot
Well as they say Gerrard, ‘different strokes for different folks’.
If it worked for you great, however I would far prefer to listen to the specialists from Mayo clinic at al, and follow their advice.
Hello CliveV,
I meant exactly what I said - that had I read your comments before I commenced Anal Irrigation - I would probably never have done so, However, I am personally inconvenienced on a daily basis with my bowels and considering the relief which irrigation has given me - I have to say I am glad I never read your warnings.
Gerrard