Hi,
I have been prescribed these to use to clear out my rectum as it’s backed up from surgery and lots of pain killers however I have never used these before can anyone share their experiences of how they work once you have inserted it what do you do? How long do you wait for it to happen? Do you need to do anything to make sure it works?
I appreciate your advice and experiences with glycerol suppositories as I am a little nervous to use them.
many thanks
Helen
Hi I have been using them on and off for a long while.Get your self gloved up and insert 1 as far as possible.I use my middle finger of my right hand.
Wait as long as possible until you feel you really want to go.Some times with me it can be 10 minutes or as long as 45 mins.
You will get a lot of wind but you do learn as you go along and your body will let you know.
Good luck and let me know how you get on.x
That’s really helpful thank you for the advice 🙏🏻 do you know the best time of day to use them? I was thinking first thing in the morning as that’s a good time when my body would want to go normally. I will try it tomorrow or Saturday I think I’m a bit nervous I just worry that it won’t work and I’ll be stuck with it up there 😱 xx
Hi I usually use them when I am not going any where gives me time to relax and not worry.It will never get stuck up there as it will just melt away.x
Ah I see thank you that makes me feel better knowing it won’t get stuck up there. I’ll keep you posted once I give it a go x
Really, don't worry. They are so easy to use, and even I (who HATE medication of any kind) happily use them if needed (I have IBS-D mainly but sometimes get constipated.)
I have found thwm gentle and effective, but I think may only work if the constipation isn't too high up in the bowel.
Okay so what you'll need is a surgical glove (just for hygiene for your hand) Then get a suppository unwrapped (you just need to cut the blister pack and get one out.)
Give it just a tiny dunk in some water. But be careful then because it gets slippery and can end up half way acrross the bathroom if you squeeze too hard!
Squat down and insert the suppository gently into your anus, and push it a little way up. It won't hurt but might feel a tiny bit bizarre!
Then what I usually do is get horizontal for a few minutes. I might listen to some music for a few minutes and lie down. It works better I think, that way, as I tried walking about and the end result was I just pooped out the suppository! Working against gravity helps it do its job I think.
Usually within 15 minutes I would need the toilet, and it was always a positive experience for me and constipation resolved.
No soreness, no multiple toilet trips (though you might need those) No bad effects.
I am happy to use a suppository if ever I need to.
But mine was probably quite simple constipation, Anyway I hope it works for you
Thank you for the detailed helpful advice and especially about laying down as I wasn’t sure it I should sit down and walk around I never thought about laying down so that’s good to know vs just the suppository coming out.
It’s definitely near the rectum not further round as I get poo on the tissue when I wipe but I cannot push due to the surgery so I was told to use the suppository but not given any advice on it just to do it and it will work. Much better to hear from those who have actually used it and their experiences. I will try tomorrow morning after breakfast as I will have a lay down after that anyway as I’m still in recovery from surgery so I need to catch up on rest as much as possible so hopefully the suppository will do the trick as I know there is some left and it needs to go as it’s hurting so much on the left side and my back. Fingers crossed for tomorrow or possibly Saturday just need to see how I am tomorrow as I’m a bit all over the pace today x
I have been suffering with bad constipation for 5/6 weeks combined with diahorea when the constipation is really bad I can sit on the toilet for a good 15/20 min's trying 2 force it out VERY painful it can bring me 2 tears sometimes Doc gave me movicol liquid stuff afraid 2 take that in case that brings on the nasty Diahorea that I get from time 2 time that I just can't get 2 the toilet and can end up messying myself which can degrading 4 me even when I am indoors where I can clean myself up as well as anywhere else the stuff may go!! So I bought some glycerine suppostitires as like the other lady I too am afraid 2 use them in case it gives the poop I can't control and don't want 2 open the flood gates 2 the stuff that I just can't control ( I think you know what I mean!!! ) So any tips I can get I will be forever thankful PLEASE & you take care of yourself also x
I hope that works well for you in the morning. It's such an uncomfortable feeling when you need to go and it's low down and you can't!
Glycerin Suppositories are harmless. I have to use one every morning at the moment and have used them on and off for 40 years .
Absolutely don’t worry. I used to make them up from scratch when I was learning to dispense.
If you don’t have any surgical gloves available don’t worry. I just find it easier to scrub and disinfect my finger /hand after. If you are very constipated there will not be any poo in your lower rectal area anyway. I just moisten the suppository under the tap and then push it up about a finger’s length to where you can’t feel it.
The advice to lay horizontal is absolutely correct and if you want the best results you bend your knees up too and lay on the bed approx. 10-15 mins unless the urge to go comes on sooner. Bending your knees helps the glycerin melt further up the bowel.
The first event may cause a bit of cramping and not work so try another straight after.
After the first bowel movement you can use them regularly once each day whilst you are in recovery from the operation.
I sometimes support my pelvic floor nowadays with my hand because as I have got older my Rectocele needs some gentle help. So if you have had an op in that region a little extra support of the pelvic floor may help too.
One GP once told me Glycerin Suppositories were bad for me !! Absolutely the safest laxative anyone can use.
Hope you are soon on the mend.
Easy and effective .
I don’t use gloves as I can’t control the suppository as it gets slippery.
Easier to squat to insert.
If you usually have a bowel movement in the morning use then as your body gets used to routine.
Hopefully by now your feeling more comfortable but sometimes can take a couple of days.
Can I ask what surgery you had? It's just that I may need surgery for severe narrowing colon and insusseption
They work quickly and effectively. Read and follow the instructions - they are pretty accurate.
the other good thing is it is used topically-where it’s needed and not systemically-ie taking something by mouth, which is not always the best solution.
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