Enema Through Ileostomy Stoma: Experiences and Advice

My doctor says that I have a partial blockage in my small intestine and I need to perform multiple enemas through my stoma to help clear it. Have any of you needed to perform this? Did it work? I assume it's a mess to do.

Hi Martles, how long have you had this? Before the enemas, you can try to do some easy postures to move things along. Lie on your back and pull your knees towards your armpits (so your knees don't put pressure on your stoma/bag). Stay like this for at least a minute. If you can, drop your knees to one side, also for a minute, and push your belly out as you slowly and deeply inhale, then pull it as far in as you can as you slowly and deeply exhale. Hopefully, you start to hear noises from your stoma. People swear by Coke to move things along. I've drunk seltzer, and that has helped.

Hi Martles, I agree with eefy. There are a few things to try first. I start with lying flat and applying pressure around my stoma. Sometimes applying a heated compress will help. Finally, the Coke trick usually works for me, but not always. Drink down a room temperature small bottle of the full sugar Coke, not sugar-free. I've never done an enema, so I can't really advise you on that.

Terry

Yes. Assuming there is a blockage by food at the abdominal wall, this is an accepted thing to do. This is best done using a red Robinson catheter. Eating large quantities of certain foods can cause an obstruction that gets stuck at the abdominal wall. However, in general, the most common cause of bowel obstruction is adhesions that will not be helped with enemas.

Hey, so your doctor should have told you to stop eating and go on a liquid diet. If it doesn't pass in a couple of days, you need to go to the ER. An enema isn't going to push out a partial blockage or a full blockage; it has to push itself out, and you don't know how far in the blockage is. Nothing should be shoved down your ileostomy; you can cause damage, and it can also tear easily.

My Ostomy Journey: Bruce | Hollister

Thank you. I will try all you recommended.

I didn't even know or feel there was a blockage, but it showed up on my CT scan. I have no idea how long it may have been there.
I appreciate your helpful comments.

Basically, just doing irrigation like some on here do. Insert the garden hose, turn on the water, and flush the yuck out. 🤷‍♂️ I would think the doctor would have done it for you the first time to show you how. 🤔