Damage post hydrogen peroxide enema

[kktiger]

A week and a half ago, I did a hydrogen peroxide enema (apparently ill-advised).   Realizing that I could have done damage, I spent the next two to three days drinking aloe and cabbage juice to help repair anything I might have done, sticking close to really soft foods.  I didn't experience any diarrhea, but my intestines rumbled, and using the bathroom became painful.  A week after the enema (this was three days ago), I visited an urgent care physician, and he prescribed cortifoam and figured that I'd caused proctitis.  He told me to use the cortifoam and eat a high-fiber diet.  Well, I resumed my normal high fiber eating, but developed constipation and a serious discomfort just below my ribs on the right side.  I returned to soft foods because I couldn't stomach anything filling.  I took a stool softener, and now I've been having diarrhea.  My gastroenterologist is booked until January, so I am at a loss as for how to proceed.  It's uncomfortable for me to eat or drink much of anything, because I feel so full right away.  What should I be doing?  Sticking with soft foods or fibrous ones? Is this discomfort under my ribs something to be concerned about?  Please advise.  Thank you.

[Kim61803]

A related discussion, hydrogen peroxide enema was started.

[JThreat]

A related discussion, Perioxide Enema was started.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree that inflammation of the colon wall cause by the peroxide is possible.  The cortifoam is a reasonable first course of action.

If the discomfort continues, obtaining a lower endoscopy, such as a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, can be discussed as the next step.  

I'm not sure what to make of the discomfort of the ribs.  It's unlikely to be associated with the enema.  If a GI cause is suspected, obtaining an abdominal ultrasound can be considered, or a plain x-ray film if there is a bony cause suspected.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd