No one suffering from proctitis and colitis can have a clean and healthy sigmoid flexure and rectum unless these be kept clean by the regular use, three times a day, of the enema. From the day when the disease invades these parts there is and will continue to be a clogged, plastered, or incrusted passage for more or less of the entire length of the colon. This must be so in the nature of things, since these organs are unable to perform their functions while the disease is present. Just think of possessing a filthy, congested intestinal canal, without one day of real cleanliness for twenty, forty, sixty, or more years! It is not the easiest thing in the world to cleanse this channel even by the use of the enema; for the ancient contents refuse dislodgment even after repeated flushings, and it is only after many days of persistent and patient irrigation that the intestines are freed.
Some persons are apprehensive as to the quantity of water the large intestine will hold with safety. Let me reassure them. It is capable of holding about three gallons without too great distention. One-third of this amount, however, is quite sufficient to bring away the accumulated fecal mass, and in many cases a much smaller amount will answer the purpose—especially when, as advised, it is used two or three times within twenty-four hours. After a thorough evacuation, water should be injected one or more times until it returns clear and free from fragments of feces.
If I were asked to name the greatest curse parents could inflict upon their helpless offspring, I would say fecal auto-intoxication. A large volume could be written on the subject, and I trust the hints here given will lead to discussion of this grave matter.
CHAPTER XIII.
Objections to the Use of the Enema Answered.
The privilege of raising objections belongs to the ignorant as well as to the intelligent. But the objector is under as great obligations to state his reasons as the advocate.
The first plausible objection to the use of the enema is that it is not natural.
Admitting this charge, I would say that, inasmuch as proctitis, colitis, and constipation are unnatural, the use of a preternatural or, in other words, a rational means to overcome the consequences of these diseases is imperative. The enema is such a means.
Can any one that suffers from proctitis, etc., have a natural stool? Unnatural conditions require preternatural aids, as we all know. The injected water dilates the constricted portion of the gut and arouses a revulsive impulse to expel the invading water. In obeying this impulse, the imprisoned feces, gases, etc., are ejected with the water.