Colonics...

[AngieB]

Hey peeps! I have a colonic scheduled for today. This being my first I am a tad nervous.

What is a colonic you ask...... colonic - an enema that injects large amounts of fluid high into the colon for cleansing purposes.

Oh joy! Yes, I am going today to have a tube inserted in my keister to evacuate poo and crap! LOL

Anyone done this before? I've read great things about this procedure.

I'll let you all know what I think of it once I am on the other side.....

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[MyNewLife]

yes maam, you are the Queen! That is why we love you so much!!! You put it ALL out there for us to LEARN! That is why You are so AWESOME!!!

I would LOVE to know how this goes for you, please keep up updated!

Carrie

[AngieB]

Carrie - I was shocked to hear that we "could" have anywhere from 10-40 lbs of excess....you know what in our colon. ARE YOU SERIOUS!!!! Now I've realized for some time now that I am full of _ _ _ _ but up to 40 lbs! Holy crap'o'la! Ha!

I will let you know how everything comes out....LMBO! I am more curious about the "clean up" process.....I mean, I won't leave smelling like a sack of poop will I??? I made sure I didn't have to pick Lil D up from daycare....could you imagine...me walking in smelling like I need the diaper change!?? Oh my gosh I would be so embarassed!

Okay... maybe I should change my screen name on here to thequeenof TMI! LOL

yes maam, you are the Queen! That is why we love you so much!!! You put it ALL out there for us to LEARN! That is why You are so AWESOME!!!

I would LOVE to know how this goes for you, please keep up updated!

Carrie

[Lindsay]

Yes, and it wasn't a good experience. I had cramps for days.

It's nothing more than an excessive laxative.

Whatever you do - don't step on the scale, thinking you've lost a sh*t load of white -- You'll gain everything back quickly, the majority of it being water.

I know a lot about 'this', as part of my ED, was abuse of laxatives, etc.

Most of what they remove, are things your body requires to function & process -- wash away some of the body’s friendly bacteria along with everything else. This needs to be replaced and all good practitioners will prescribe a probiotic supplement to replenish the bacteria washed out.

[AngieB]

Yes, and it wasn't a good experience. I had cramps for days.

It's nothing more than an excessive laxative.

Whatever you do - don't step on the scale, thinking you've lost a sh*t load of white -- You'll gain everything back quickly, the majority of it being water.

I know a lot about 'this', as part of my ED, was abuse of laxatives, etc.

Most of what they remove, are things your body requires to function & process -- wash away some of the body's friendly bacteria along with everything else. This needs to be replaced and all good practitioners will prescribe a probiotic supplement to replenish the bacteria washed out.

Interesting. I certainly hope I do not experience cramps like you've spoken of, but thanks for letting me know. At least I will be prepaired for it if it happens. Yikes! I wasn't expecting a ton of weight to come off from this. For the most part, I figured it would clean me out. Not that I eat much. But after reading about the "years of build up" anything is possible. I decided on the colonic to cleanse the toxins from my system. My mom warned me about flushing the important nutrients from my colon, but to be honest I dismissed it. I figured I would eat yogurt and thought if it is in my colon....isn't it on it's way out. So good point to bring up. I wonder what this practisioner will advise for me to restore my system. I will be more aware and find out for sure.

I've not abused laxatives before. Doesn't sound like a good time, but I see how it could be something that could happen. Wanting to evacuate all the "stuff" from your system. I figured I would be a once a year colonic gal.

Thanks so much for posting your knowledge Lindsay!

[Lindsay]

Colonics were a really big thing a few years ago - everyone was doing them for 'weight loss', when in reality, they don't do a thing.

Let me know how it goes!

[jhawkchick75]

I've done several of them and actually had a good experience with it. It is uncomfortable but mine wasn't painful and I felt fine following. Not to be gross, but man you wouldn't believe all that came out of me! However, I lost very little weight after it and was very surprised. But I was glad to get it out and it actually did make me feel a lot better. My lady told me though you should go several times within a week or two week span for it to really be effective. And no at least with mine I didn't smell or anything it's a very sanitary process.

Good luck let us know how it goes!

[Lindsay]

..and because I have a research tendency, I did a quick search on a few of my favorite accredited online medical resource websites. I just want to ensure there's so confusion between opinion & fact on this topic.

Whiel I personally have tried this, there wasn't nearly as much info poo-poo'ing (excuse the pun!) as there is now.

Proponents of colon cleansing believe that toxins from your gastrointestinal tract can cause a variety of health problems, such as arthritis, allergies and asthma. They say that colon cleansing — also called colonic irrigation — removes these toxins, thus promoting healthy intestinal bacteria, boosting your energy and enhancing your immune system.

While there is little scientific evidence to support or refute the benefits of colon cleansing, critics say it's generally unnecessary and at times may even be harmful. Although doctors prescribe colon cleansing as preparation for medical procedures such as colonoscopy, most don't recommend it for detoxification. Their reasoning is simple: The digestive system and bowel naturally eliminate waste material and bacteria — your body doesn't need enemas or special diets or pills to do this.

One concern with colon cleansing is that it can increase your risk of dehydration. A potentially more serious concern is that certain laxatives used in colon cleansing, such as those with sodium phosphate, can cause a rise in your electrolytes, which can be dangerous if you have kidney disease or heart disease.

Source: Mayo Clinic: Colon cleansing: Is it helpful or harmful?

The FDA classifies colonic irrigation systems as Class III devices that cannot be legally marketed except for medically indicated colon cleansing (such as before a radiologic endoscopic examination). No system has been approved for "routine" colon cleansing to promote the general well being of a patient. Since 1997, the agency has issued at least seven warning letters related to colon therapy:

* In 1997, Colon Therapeutics, of Groves, Texas, and its owner Jimmy John Girouard were warned about safety and quality control violations of the Jimmy John colon hydrotherapy unit and related devices [13].

* In 1997, Tiller Mind & Body, of San Antonio, Texas and its owner Jeri C. Tiller, were ordered to stop claiming that their Libbe colonic irrigation device was effective against acne, allergies, asthma and low-grade chronic infections and improved liver function and capillary and lymphatic circulation [14].

* In 1997, Colon Hygiene Services, of Austin, Texas and its owner Rocky Bruno was notified that their colonic irrigation system could not be legally marketed without FDA approval [15].

* In 1999, Dotolo Research Corporation, of Pinellas Park, Florida, and its chief executive officer Raymond Dotolo were warned about quality control violations and lack of FDA approval for marketing its Toxygen BSC-UV colonic irrigation system [16].

* In 2001, Clearwater Colon Hydrotherapy, of Ocala, Florida, and its vice president Stuart K. Baker were warned about quality control violations and lack of FDA approval for marketing their colonic irrigators [17].

* In 2003. the International Colon Hydrotherapy Association, of San Antonio, Texas and its executive director Augustine R. Hoenninger, III, PhD, ND, were notified that it lacked FDA approval to sponsor "research" that had been proposed or actually begun on the devices of five companies [18].

* In 2003, Girourd and Colon Therapeutics were notified that his devices require professional supervision and cannot be legally marketed directly to consumers. The letter noted that he had obtained marketing clearance only for use in medically indicated colon cleansing, such as before radiologic or sigmoidoscopic examinations [19].

* In 2003, the Wood Hygienic Institute of Kissimmee, Florida, and its owner Helen Wood were warned about quality control violations and the use of unapproved therapeutic claims in marketing their devices [20].

Source: Gastrointestinal Quackery: Colonics, Laxatives, and More

[Lindsay]

No scientific evidence supports the alleged benefits of colon cleansing.[2] The bowel itself is not dirty and barring drugs or disease, cleans itself naturally without need for assistance.[3] Some types of colon cleansing present potential hazards; the equipment used during colon cleansing has caused damage to the rectum in a small number of individuals, and caused amoebiasis when improperly sterilized. Certain enema preparations have been associated with heart attacks and electrolyte imbalances. Frequent colon cleansing may interfere with the proper functioning of the colon and can lead to dependence on laxatives or enemas to defecate. Some herbs used may also interact with or reduce the effectiveness of prescription drugs.[4]

Source: Wikipedia: Colon cleansing

Johns Hopkins doctors advise against colonics because of concerns about the potential for side effects.

Do most diseases begin in the colon? Is your bowel a cesspool? Does it harbor toxins that are harmful to your health? Some alternative health practitioners would have you believe that the answer to these questions is “yes.”

Treatments such as colonics are touted to detoxify the body and to ease the symptoms of conditions as wide ranging as asthma, arthritis, sinus problems, chronic fatigue, and constipation. But the medical truth is that colonics have never been rigorously tested in clinical trials.

Colonics -- What’s involved. During a colonic, a colon hydrotherapist inserts a rubber tube through the rectum and into the colon, sometimes as far as 30 inches. Up to 20 gallons of warm or cool water—possibly supplemented with soap, herbs, coffee, enzymes, minerals, or other substances—is then pumped into the rectum and allowed to sit for a few seconds to a few minutes while the stomach is massaged to loosen feces that are believed to have hardened in the colon (and are claimed to be the source of the toxins). The water is then drained out of the body through a second tube, bringing the fecal matter with it. This process is typically repeated several times to completely cleanse the bowel.

Colonics -- The risks. While removing hardened feces from your colon may sound like a reasonable way to improve your health, the risks of colonics should give you pause— particularly if you are over age 65 or have a bowel disease such as diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis, all of which increase your chances of experiencing a complication from the procedure.

In general, the dangers of undergoing colonics can be placed into four categories:

1. during a colonic the bowel wall can be perforated by the tip of the rubber tubing or by the use of too much water pressure and can lead to a potentially life-threatening infection;

2. you can have an allergic reaction to the nozzle at the tip of the rubber tubing (in particular, if you are allergic to latex) or to one of the cleansing substances added to the water;

3. you can develop an imbalance in electrolytes such as potassium and sodium, since colonics rinse away minerals that are normally absorbed into the bloodstream from the large intestine;

4. you can be infected with bacteria and viruses if the equipment is not properly sterilized between treatments. (Most colon hydrotherapists use disposable, sterile tubing, so this is less of a risk than in the past.)

The bottom line on colonics. Today, experts in the medical community—including doctors at Johns Hopkins—look on colonics as a questionable procedure, and advise against its practice because of concerns about the potential for side effects of colonics. While we are not opposed to alternative and complementary health practices that have been proven to be safe and effective, we do not advise colonics because it goes against a basic medical principle: First, do no harm.

Source: Johns Hopkins Health Alert - Colonics: How Risky Are They?

[AngieB]

I am back to report "everything came out okay." It was actually better than I expected. I felt so clogged up that I think anything would have felt great! Alot did come out and boy did it ever feel good. When I was finished I felt pure joy! I know that pry sounds wacky, but I was over joyed. My belly no longer feels bad and my lower back is not hurting anymore! I actually hugged the lady who gave me my treatment.

I had a pleasent experience and I feel confident I will go again when I feel the need arise. I have no idea if I lost any weight but we can see on Wednesday. Really I don't feel thinner, but I do feel less full of _ _ _ _! LOL

I did feel minimal cramping during. kinda like you do before you are going to have diarrhea. None of the cramps were bad for me and passed quickly.

I give a clonic two thumbs up.

[MyNewLife]

Angie,

I am glad all went well for you! I have thought about doing this and maybe after my surgery I will consider!

Thanks for keeping us posted!

Carrie

[Lindsay]

thanks for the update!

how much did it cost you?

[jhawkchick75]

Glad it went well! For me it wasn't so much about weight loss, but if I had some it was going to be a perk. You sound like how I was feeling - I wasn't going very often and it just felt so good to get all that out of me!

[Kristi]

Angie,

I am so glad that you are you.

Woo hoo for feeling better now. I am happy for you.

Where do you get that done at?

Hugs,

Kristi

[funmama707]

How much was it? Did you go to a spa? I'm glad it went well! I may need to get one of those!

[AngieB]

Angie,

I am so glad that you are you.

Woo hoo for feeling better now. I am happy for you.

Where do you get that done at?

Hugs,

Kristi

I went to Essential Body Therapies. Kristi it was so nice, very comforting enviorment/setting. Really relaxing. Well except of the getting a speculum stuck up your keister! Ha! But even that was not terrible. No discomfort and you are not focusing on it. Girl you know I was watching the evacuation of the stuff too.....so interesting to see it in action! Leave it to me huh! LOL

I googled colonic and my city and it brought up the places that did them. I call each and got the info I wanted and went with the one that I had the best feeling about.

[AngieB]

How much was it? Did you go to a spa? I'm glad it went well! I may need to get one of those!

Theresa girl I was so uncomfortable. I was having lower back discomfort and my lower belly was not feeling right. My poop was bigger than rabit turds but you get the point......gaw! Who wants that.....Not me. So anytime I get to feeling that yuck I am going to call. I think all the protein is hard on my system....I do my best to get veggies and fruits to help the process but hey....I was constipated!

[AngieB]

This is a LONG video, BUT very informative on colonics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kL6GIe-iu8

[janellody]

I don't think this is something I would ever want to do. Simply because your body is set up to take care of waste on its own, and I don't think flushing out your colon is a good idea. Just my 2 cents, though.

[PAMMIE]

your body is set up to take care of waste on its own

I'VE HEARD PEOPLE SAY THAT ABOUT DIETING INSTEAD OF GETTING THE BAND ALSO

[janellody]

I'VE HEARD PEOPLE SAY THAT ABOUT DIETING INSTEAD OF GETTING THE BAND ALSO

That may be true, but I don't see the band as having negative side effects, whereas colonics do. And with some of the research posted earlier, it looks like colonics haven't proven to have positive side effects, either.

but, to each their own... I was just contributing my 2 cents, and I personally wouldn't do something like that.

[funmama707]

My research and recent discussions have me leaning towards getting on.

[AngieB]

Janellody - Yeah I can see both sides of the story. I tend to go more eastern medicine than western. (in the colinics more egyptian...lol) I am more focused on getting to the issue and treating it. I am sooo glad I went in for a colonic. Matter of fact if I had the money I would do a series of treatments to clean my entire bowel. Our bodies are meant to take care of buisness and I have tended to abuse mine so it is not working correctly. So that leaves me to do the best with what I have left. Hence the lapband and colonic choices.

Recently I listened to a bit of literature that is coming out talking ill of the band. Now that it has been out for a while the studies are rolling out. (the US is further behind the rest of the world in band.) Oh and I find that i find good and bad on everything. Before getting the band I watched and listened to peoples passionate experiences that were NOT GOOD with the band. Still I choose to make an educated choice on my own behaf. I will say it was an eye opening thing to do. Even seeing people with bands be sick and very unhappy, I took the chance that I would not be one of the unfortunate.....

Glad you shared your views. It's nice to have a well rounded topic.

[AngieB]

Oh....I wanted to mention that the day after the colonic, I was gassy. Not terrible like I was not tooting all the time. But I will say they were smelly.....ha!

[macleay]

Okay, I'm not commenting for or against, because I really don't feel strongly about it. But having grown up for the first 15 years of my life with chronic constipation, I can certainly see someone trying everything to cure that problem!

The real reason I'm posting is you just crack me up, Angie! Your posts always make me laugh, especially the last one!