Bowel Obstruction Management

[DianesK]

Hi Ladies

I was looking for any advice about managing obstruction through diet. I have been admitted 3 times now with feacal vomiting and I’m usually in hospital for 5 days until they get it back under control.

I am following a low fibre diet and have now been given ensure drinks to take. I’m in a watch and wait with my onc, next ct is in October as I have had the majority of chemo and maintenance that I can have, so options are limited.

Any ideas or advice on food management would really help.

Thank you 🌻 xx

[Hidden]

Hello Dianesk - I was advised to follow a low residue diet, similar to low fiber diet but more restrictive, it is rather boring but you get used to it and it has really worked for me. Good Luck Lyn x

[DianesK in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Lyn xx

[Seasun36-uk]

Hi Diane, there was a post a couple of days ago about this, with a link to a patient information sheet written by The Christie Hospital in Manchester. I think it was in reply to Suzanne’s post...hope that helps. Fluid is all important - nutritious drinks/thin soup. Your team should be advising you too.

Linda x

[DianesK in reply to Seasun36-uk]

Thanks Linda

I have had advice but it does differ who you speak to and clearly I haven’t found my level yet.

I will look for the Christie info sheet, that sounds good.

Thank you for your help

Take Care xx

[WoodyB in reply to DianesK]

Hello Diane

Here is the link to the Christie patient booklet.

christie.nhs.uk/media/4401/...

Good luck. I know from my wife's past experience that what you are going through is very unpleasant. You may benefit from a second opinion about any suitable trials or new treatment options. My understanding is that The Christie in Manchester or The Royal Marsden in London are the leading hospitals for this.

[DianesK in reply to WoodyB]

Thank you so much for this WoodyB. Really appreciate it. I’m now under the Marsden and it’s possible they may call me back now I’ve had this latest episode. I’ve got more than one obstruction so it’s all a bit tricky at the moment.

Thanks again

Diane

[Eriksendi]

Silly question probably but are you taking stool softeners, I e sodium duccosate or laxatives. I manage through a combination of diet and the softeners. I’m on high fibre , low irritant diet. I also eat loads of stewed fruit, I e apples, plums. Hope you get it sorted x x

[DianesK in reply to Eriksendi]

Hi

Thank you for this, it’s really helpful. Yes I am taking stool softness only. Getting the balance right seems to be the problem.

Eating little and often I’m trying at the moment. It doesn’t help that I’m a greedy eater and the steroids make me so hungry.

I’m sure I’ll get it eventually.

Thanks again 🌻

[Toni16]

Hi Diane,

I have had this problem too and ended up in hospital a few times also. I read from another chemo patient that wheat is like cement in your bowels during chemo so I gave it up. I ate gluten free bread as I too had the steroid hunger and when your so tired after treatment you want something quick. And I would take 3 senekot every night. This all worked pretty well. Occasionally I would break out and eat a scone or garlic bread or something and I would suffer but then I would drink plenty of water, eat figs and take maybe an extra senekot that night. I hope this helps.

[DianesK in reply to Toni16]

Thanks Toni

That’s something to think about, no one has mention the wheat before, that’s worth a try.

Thanks again 🌻

[WoodyB in reply to DianesK]

Diane, just to be clear, you must not take senokot (or eat figs) if you have a bowel obstruction as fibre will bulk up your poo and make the blockage worse. Docusate is the best as it softens the poo without bulking it up.

Perhaps you can get an earlier appointment with your consultant?

[DianesK in reply to WoodyB]

Thanks WoodyB, I know I can’t take senna and avoid things like figs etc. So docusate is going to be my go to, I was advised of long term laxative use and stopped it, however I think that was keeping everything ticking over.

My aim is keeping out of hospital beyond 3 weeks, I haven’t managed it in the last 3 months, always set goals !!!

Thank you so much for your advice, I really appreciate it 🌻

[WoodyB in reply to DianesK]

Sorry Diane, I am telling you things you already know. Just to add good luck with everything and hope you can keep away from the dreaded in-patient wards x

[Nancy222 in reply to WoodyB]

No need to apologize, Woody. I learned something from your post and your word usage. So, thanks!

[DianesK in reply to WoodyB]

Honestly it’s fine, I get told so many conflicting things that it sends me in a spin about what I should be doing.

I do appreciate all the comments, really 🌻

[Hidden]

scan.scot.nhs.uk/Documents/...

has lots of info. Lyn x

[DianesK in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Lyn xx 🌻

[Marspatty in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. This Guide is very informative.