The Squatty Potty Toilet Seat

[nogutsnoglory]

I came across this funny but interesting website and product today called Squatty Potty. http://www.squattypotty.com/

I don't know anything about nor endorse the product but thought the concept was interesting and worth discussing. It might be very true that humans are not designed to sit and eliminate stool but rather to squat.

I think the website is irresponsible for claiming that colitis and colon issues are a result of the way we sit more so than the way we eat but hemorrhoids certainly makes sense when straining.

I am debating purchasing one of these but they are pretty pricey. Thoughts?

 

[CrohnsChicago]

As far as the theory that colon issues/IBD is a result of how we sit, I also have to disagree.

A friend of mine (non-crohnie) had an extended stay in various parts of Thailand not too long ago. One of the things he would mention were his bathroom experiences out there.

He would talk about how the majority of his bathroom experiences for his months out there involved squatting. It took some getting used to since he is a little over 6ft., but he admitted that once he got used to it, he was able eliminate his bowels far more easily and completely than he did using standard toilets.

I do wonder though how comfortable it would be for someone with IBD who experiences very painful cramps.

I know personally I find I am able to eliminate more comfortably during a flare if I have my legs elevated a bit. I sometimes put a box in front of the toilet I can rest my feet on at hip level when I am having severe bathroom issues. But then I have never tried this approach before so I'm not sure how it would benefit me, if at all. Everyone is different I guess....

 

[CrohnsChicago]

And yes, it IS expensive.

I am also not sure who would want to purchase a T-shirt with "Squatty Potty" written across it (probably why that is the cheapest item)! lol.

 

[Susan2]

Sounds like a interesting idea for those who still have their colon, rectum, etc., but you don't need to spend all that money, especially if you don't know whether it's going to be beneficial. Just make a small neat 7" (or 9" if you are tall) high wooden stool. Or use something that you already have around the house!

 

[seebee]

Susan2 that is a great and economical idea if someone does want to squat. The only issue I have with the squatting is my knees. I can't squat without being in pain so I won't be trying out the squatty potty.

 

[Avw]

I also agree that sitting instead of squatting does not cause IBD, but it can definitely make things more difficult. I have to keep one of my daughter's stepping stools next to the toilet when I stay at my mother's because her toilet is really tall for me. I even have a hard time urinating with taller toilets lately. Can't go unless my feet are flat on the floor.

Side note: It feels really weird discussing urinating issues on this site... Even though we openly discuss all matters gross and poop related. Odd, lol!

 

[Ozboz]

Do you have his details you can pm them too me im inmelbourne and will fly over if this works

 

[H8myguts]

I sometimes use my daughters step stool

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I ordered one and will report back. It might be really awkward at first.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

It's not a squatting toilet like in Asia. You get to sit down you just have a stool to lift your legs.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I wanted to report back that I have been using this now for a few weeks and I like it. Moving out the stool and sitting in that position is awkward but I feel like I evacuate easier. I think it does cut back on the amount of times I go with diarrhea.

 

[2thFairy]

I don't see how it would help with diarrhea, but I'm glad you are getting benefit from using it. I definitely see that it would help with hemorrhoids since it would put everything in a more natural position and cause less strain on the anal area.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I still run with tons of diarrhea but because it helps empty more I think I run a bit less.

 

[Revlot]

Susan2 that is a great and economical idea if someone does want to squat. The only issue I have with the squatting is my knees. I can't squat without being in pain so I won't be trying out the squatty potty.

Your body has been trained to sit instead of squat, for a lifetime - so of course it's hard to squat now. Persistence pays off. There is a 30/30 exercise, squat for 30 mins for 30 days. After a month your body becomes retrained to squat instead of not, and you become more limber in the direction of squatting. Knee pain is from your short muscles and tendons in the direction of squatting, and will lessen over time. If your heels do not go all the way down to the floor then you can use a couple balled up socks or a rolled up towel to rest your heels on in the beginning. But as you do it more every day you will become limber and the knee pain will go away. Body builders say 'no pain no gain' because their muscles hurt as they are being reshaped, but the end result is a better toned body, so it IS worth it. I could not squat for more than 5 mins the first day, now I can squat for over an hour pain free. Just my experience.

 

[LewisS]

This is definitely going to be my next purchase! For now I'll just use something around the house.

 

[LewisS]

Just want to say, I made myself a makeshift one of these using some old shopping catalogs and wow, I have never felt so...empty for a long time. For a while I've been going into a tip-toe position so my knee's are higher which helped somewhat, but going into an even higher kneed position made it even easier. I can barely go at all if I sit regularly.

There's definitely something in it. Obviously it won't cure IBD, but it sure could help. I wonder if not fully emptying can exacerbate inflammation?

 

[Bufford]

In the years leading up to my colostomy surgery my rectum was raw and fragile. I had to avoid any kind of pushing or pressure on it when having a BM. I found the best position was squatting, but not overdoing it.
I simply stood up over the toilet with the seat up, bending over forward only slightly while slightly bending my knees, legs spread apart comfortably. Then clearing my mind of thoughts, relaxing and letting the BM go under its own weight. And taking all the time I need.