is this safe

[fartikins]

Hello - I was reading through some posts and came across a chap who was using enemas as part of managing his condition. I suffer badly from constipation - the thought of using enemas had crossed my mind but surely this should only be administered by a health professional because of the dangers of internal damage. What are readers thoughts on this - thanks.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

oh my, you do find some interesting things out there. Enemas are very dangerous to use for CKD especially Fleet or mineral oil. Stay away from that. I get it about the constipation. But enemas can introduce bacteria which your body won't be able to fight, and they can have a diuretic affect which is very bad for CKD. I will say using a small bit of warm water once in a while may be ok but check with the doctor on that. This topic, although uncomfortable to talk with the doctor about, is very common in CKD. Please check with what they recommend. They have heard it all.

Fiber, fiber and more fiber is what they say. And then you have to make sure that you are drinking tons of water to help flush all that fiber out. I think people take in the fiber and create poop dams from not drinking enough water. Stool softeners help with protection from hard, unpassable stools and for the most part are safe for CKD.

Exercise is also key to move the bowels. Even massage helps.

After checking with my doctor, I take 500mg of stool softeners daily. I eat 3 tablespoons of flax and chia seed daily. I eat oatmeal and tons of fibrous veggies and 64 pounces of water and hibiscus tea. And yes, when all of that fails I use senna tea or a vegetable laxative of senna. I walk a minimum of 5000 steps a day and work out 2 times a week. I also take 2 drugs that are known for causing constipation so I really have to get help moving.....

Over use of laxatives, including stuff like MiraLAX can cause mineral imbalance. Please check with the doctor before doing any bowel regiment.

I do get exactly what you are going though.

[Denise-80 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Bassetmommer - Your comments are always point on! I’m so glad you are on this forum! And Fatikins, thank you you asking the questions you do about constipation You are both very helpful to all of us!

[Dora86]

I completely agree with the last two replies. You don't need to put yourself through such invasive procedures. Constipation is normal and is simple controlled by diet, and exercise. The bowel gets lazy if it doesn't do anything. Also stress can be a major contribution to Constipation.

[RhenDutchess123]

Enemas can be dangerous...When people have become that constipated to use enemas, they may be impacted and need to see a Gastroenterologist to have it removed and treated...empaction can be deadly itself as the colon will begin to die

[CatOnACloud]

Magnesium Citrate is good for occasional const…definitely something to talk to dr about.

[Hidden]

I'm sure I will catch a lot of flack for this reply but here goes. I grew up in the 50s and in those times, a lot of moms believed enemas cured everything from hangnails to stubbed toes. After having received enough of them, the feeling went from one of dread to one of hey this doesn't feel too bad. Long story short, I have continued to use them through my whole life. I use tap water with a little salt and baking soda added. Filtered or distilled water can be used if that makes you feel safer. Bassetmommer is right about the fleet enemas. Some contain chemicals that are not good for kidneys and can be harmful or as she put it, very dangerous. It's important to replenish your electrolytes afterwards and I take a probiotic every night. Yes, I have CKD and as far as I can tell, it has not made it worse and in fact, I have gone from ESRD (GFR=8) to currently GFR=30. I was on dialysis for a year and my kidneys improved enough to come off dialysis. I have severe lower back pain and take a hydrocodone every morning to curb the pain. The pain doctor asks me about constipation and I tell her that morning coffee generally gets things moving but a weekly series of 2 enemas keeps the pipes clean. I am not promoting the use of enemas but wanted to put this out there to curb some of the misconceptions. Yes, there are definitely risks involved if you are careless or don't educate yourself enough to know what you are doing. Do I think it has helped manage my CKD? I don't know but I think I can say it hasn't hurt.