I just wanted to pass along my experience with using homemade L-Glutamine enemas.

I started flaring about four weeks ago and normally my body returns to a more disease free state after I eliminate the food that triggered the flare but for some reason I just couldn’t get the flare to go away. I continued to have multiple bloody and mucus filled stools a day.

I had success in the past having L-Glutamine orally but this time it just would not get things under control. So two days ago I started using two L-Glutamine (1 Tablespoon [7.5grams]) and room temperature distilled water (4 ounces) enemas per day. One after breakfast and one after lunch. After using the enema I would slowly roll from my side to my back to my other side to my belly and then back to my left side to try to coat my rectum and colon as best I could. The enemas were easy for me to hold for a few hours with no discomfort.

By the morning of the third day (today) I had no blood or mucus in my morning stool. I used an enema again today after breakfast and will continue for a few more days to help with the healing. Other than evacuating the enema before lunch time today I have not had to use the toilet again today.

Before trying the enemas I found the following research on L-Glutamine enemas but I could not find any human studies:

L-glutamine enemas attenuate mucosal injury in experimental colitis

I should also note that I have a hand held bidet that allows me to easily have a water enema which I performed prior to each enema to help the L-Glutamine have better access to the surface of the colon and rectum.

With respect to my UC, I had my annual colonoscopy (#21) just over a week ago and my GI noted that I had “moderate activity” in my distal colon and rectum.

I would like to know if anyone else has had any experience with L-Glutamine enemas.