Forum Discussion
Constipation and how to deal with it
Hi Everyone,
I've had my nausea meds upped for my third treatment of AC Chemo. I'm already having difficulty with bowel motions due to hemorroids from diarrhoea (food related issues). I've got some very expensive but working cream to assist with those but don't want to do further damage with the additional meds. I've picked up some Coloxyl stool softener and some non-flavoured Movicol sachets. Other than the obvious instructions, I'm not sure I should be using them. I also have some Pear juice and Apple juice for additional fluid and to help move things.
Any advice would super appreciated.
Jen.
I've had my nausea meds upped for my third treatment of AC Chemo. I'm already having difficulty with bowel motions due to hemorroids from diarrhoea (food related issues). I've got some very expensive but working cream to assist with those but don't want to do further damage with the additional meds. I've picked up some Coloxyl stool softener and some non-flavoured Movicol sachets. Other than the obvious instructions, I'm not sure I should be using them. I also have some Pear juice and Apple juice for additional fluid and to help move things.
Any advice would super appreciated.
Jen.
30 Replies
- Hi, I've been having dry figs, prunes and dry apricots. I also drink warm water ( half boiled and half from tap), no cold water .
Hope that helps. .xxx - I found having prunes for dessert the evening of chemo . Coloxyl and senna at night . Prunes with my breakfast cereal the next morning., worked well this week after chemo. Sometimes I need to take Movicol but it does make me feel a bit nauseated. Also I found having a stir fry with lots of veggies ,works at times.
- I agree with viking1 that psyllium husks are great ... they are soothing and smoothing, tasteless and completely harmless. No added chemicals. And they are cheap. You can get a big bag for about $6.00. Just add them to cereal, drink lots of water and wait ...
- Nulax was my choice and the occasional Senakot. You get a good result without the gripping pains.
- @Mrs_H no topic too sensitive here!
- Movichol morning and night for 3 days... started night before chemo was all I needed to stop the bricks forming. It was LIFE CHANGING for me. I didn't need anything else after I started this. Didn't need it on Taxol at all. Kath x
- Awesome advice as always ladies. I'm trying to figure out what my current "normal" is for bowel movements. I used to be everyday in the morning before going to work but now it seems I can comfortably go every other day. Just trying to work out when I need help and what/how to use it.
On a side note, never thought I would be talking to strangers about my bowels either. Always coming across new things on this journey. I love having people to ask who understand as well. - I have IBS and suffered awfully with constipation on the first round of FEC.
I found a regular pattern of 2 Movicol the night before Chemo then
1 each night for 5 days after Chemo with 2x Coloxyl and Senna if nothing happening.
Each day after Chemo for the three weeks between I mixed up a juice of pear, Apple, kiwi fruit and prune juice. Leave the skin on the pear and apple.
You can add fresh pineapple, strawberries, melons if you like, but the first ingredients are the important ones.
Mix up in a NutriBullet type blender.
You can mix ice in it and make a slushy if you like.
Drinking that all during the day made the next two FEC constipation free for me.
In fact I had to back off it after the first week in the final rounds.
Now I am on Docetaxol, I have had sudden urgent diarrhoea since the start, so far 5 weeks!
I have extra long pads and baby wipes and a large bottle of sorbolene next to the toilet.
The pharmasist at the oncology ward suggested Pawpaw cream for fissures or rashes. - Viking1, I can totally relate about the ibs thing. Prior to bc I also had ibs symptoms , diarrhea so bad at times I wouldn't leave the house. Not everyone reacts the same to chemo so don't worry til you have to, easier said than done I know. Good luck for Friday, I'll be thinking of you. Let us know how it goes.
Lisa x
