I have been doing studies since I was in the 3rd grade, and up until last week, I would highly reccommend them!
However, the most recent study I was involved in was to test a new kind of enzyme (that is derived from plants rather then pig pancrease). The study required an inpatient stay, during which I was to go off of enzymes completely. I was a bit concerned about chances of a bowel blockage by doing this, but I was told that "oh no, people with CF just go [to the bathroom] MORE when off enzymes!"
And so, I began my 1st of 3 non-enzymes days, on the required "high-fat, high-protein" diet. Things were going well, and yes, I was going more. Then, on day 2, I woke up feeling extremely full and uncomfortable. They brought in breakfast, and I could barely stand to eat even a bite. This continued through snack #1, lunch, dinner, and snack #2. That day I hardly went to the bathroom at all. The final day of no enzymes I was in excrutiating abdominal pain, and feeling extremely full and nauseas (even though I had little to nothing to eat the day before). That night I tried to force down my snack, and thew up what little bit I had eaten.
By now, I knew something was wrong, but the nurses didn't seem to think anything was out of the ordinary. I begged for some kind of laxative, perhaps that could help me go, and maybe ease the pain. I was told I would have to wait "12 more hours" . After increased pain, and still no action at the toilet, I was given a stool softener -- which did absolutely nothing.
So, by day 4, when it was time to start the new enzymes, I still could not eat at all, and by that night, they gave me and NGTube and proceeded to pump Go Lightly (a strong laxative used to clear out the entire GI system) in me at a very fast rate. After an hour and a half, they were concerned that I still had no urge to "go". So I said I would try, and stood up to go to the bathroom, when I began throwing up ALL of the go lightly...none of it was moving into my system, and I had a BIG blockage.
Now, I had meconium ilius when I was born, which (obviously) required surgery. There was talk of surgery if they could not loosen the blockage. So the next day I had enema #1, and the day after that was enema #2, while being pumped with more go lightly. The enemas were very difficult, I would lay on a table, and be pumped with litres of solution until my bowels were full. During both I was violently vomiting, and what was coming up was digested waste that could not move beyond the blockage. (So I am officialy allowed to say something "tastes like sh*t", and know what I am talking about!). <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif" border="0">
Anyway after the 2nd enema I was finally able to pass what was in my intestines, but I had to keep the NGTube in and be fed go lightly for 2 more days, and then...I was released!!! So I could not finish out the study, and I am quite hesitant to volunteer for another study!! (oh and I forgot to mention the kidney failure...that was fixed before I left).
I hope this does not discourage you, but I want it to caution you about the studies you chose!!
