BOWELS AGAIN!

Hello Ladies - It has been 13 weeks since my de-bulking op and my bowels are still not back to normal, is this a normal amount of time? my friend says it could continue for up to a year before they settle in to a new "normal" Any advise greatly appreciated.

[Lyndy]

Hi Lyn

I would suggest you ring your team for advice xx

[Hidden in reply to Lyndy]

Thank you Lyndy - see oncologist tomorrow so will mention it.

[Lyndy in reply to Hidden]

Maybe you need to be a bit more pushy and tell them you can’t put up with it as it is? Sometimes I have heard myself say ‘oh it’s not too bad ‘ when asked how I am doing...but they are relying on you to say if something is not getting better. Good luck xx

[LittleSan]

I'd mention it to your team but my friend was the same and was told it was normal as they always have a good rummage around and the intestines are sensitive and don't like it so stay upset.

Hope it sorts soon.

Sandra x

[Hidden in reply to LittleSan]

Thank you Sandra - desperate for everything to be "normal" whatever that is these days lol

[delia2]

My debulking was end of August and I have been on chemo so have been constipated almost the whole time. I take stool softeners and laxatito stay on top of it. The anti nausea drugs are very constipating.

[Goldfishstar in reply to delia2]

I had debulking surgery last January and then my chemo finished in August. My bowels were an issue right through till I finished chemo. As said previously I would suggest telling your team as they are there to help make you as comfortable as possible while going through chemo. I was always constipated or diarrhoea never consistent however nowadays I am that regular it is like I had my pipes cleaned. I have had to stay away from bread though as that will bung things up everytime.

[Caroles1]

I would ring your team, but, when I had my op a bowel surgeon was in place.

My bowels have never returned to before, but I am regular and my new normal.What is normal? Just anything in my mind that doesn’t give me problems

Carole xx

[Artgreen]

Do tell your team. Mine aren’t as before but are a new normal except after carbo and injections to increase neutrophils when constipation and nausea really increase. Dulcolax helps but you may find your team have a dietician who can offer more suggestions.

Good luck

Alex x

[TarbonNZ]

It is normal. My Oncologist said that in some cases it never returns to what it was before the op, (me). The bowel does not like being touched and ‘ sulks’. I had cancer removed from mine, and have now been on laxol for almost two years now, 2 every night. I have tried going off it, but the trauma I go through after a few days is not worth it. I have also had to almost cut out bread, as this totally binds me up.

[Perthgirl]

Hey Lyn, I am 2 years out of surgery and still have some bowel issues! Have had a whole lot of tests done and it now appears to be my "new normal". It is easing slowly so hopefully will come right soon. Good luck and hope you get some answers.

[Ruthine]

Hi. I had debulking last February and had permanent diahorrea after and dreadful wind. Oncologist wasn't concerned. I have given up eating bread and this has improved things for me. I have read somewhere that surgery can trigger food intolerance. Maybe consider what you eat and see if making changes brings about improvement? Just a thought.

[Hidden]

Hello Ruthine - I have been trying to increase my fibre after being on a low residue diet for several months. I now have terrible stomach cramps so think IBS back with a vengence, my digestive system has never been right and I struggle to get the correct balance, think I will ask to be referred to a dietitian.

[Maxjor]

Hi Lyn--just reading this. Don't know if you saw your team yet but I would ask if you can have a test for C-diff. The most common place to get this bacteria is in hospital and it happened to me after surgery--but did not show up for a few weeks after and I thought--and my oncologist thought--it was nerves causing my bowel issues. Just in case it doesn't go away with whatever they might try, ask to be tested (or go on line and look at symptoms). Just a precaution if nothing else works. (But I do know it takes time normally to get better as well but there should be some improvement as time goes on).

[luluw]

Hi Lyn. I think Maxjor may have a point. However, have you tried probiotics? They sorted me out after my surgery and again after chemo. Might be worth a try.

Lou xxx

[Hidden in reply to luluw]

I recently introduced Kefir probiotics and I think that it may well have cause my flareup. Saw doctor today who said just keep an eye on it, says hes not too worried as buscopan calmed the cramps.

[BJ_UK]

Seven years on and I still suffer from chronic constipation. Sadly that seems to be my "new normal", so I have a repeat prescription for Laxido, which gets used! Hope you get your problems sorted soon.

Barbara

[ZenaJ]

Hi, I don't want to make you feel worse but mine are still not right really. I get pain and considering I'm on a lot of laxatives I still don't go that often. I had my op in 2013 so it's been a while. I think I've just got used to it.

Hope you get yours sorted out. Love Zena xx

[Hidden in reply to ZenaJ]

Hello Zena - don't worry it doesn't make me feel worse, I think the frustration is not knowing what is wrong, the doc I saw at the hospital yesterday was none the wiser, and got me to have a CA125, now the dreaded wait for a phone call, he said if you don't here from me it hasn't gone up, how stressful is that!! oh well fingers crossed. The Buscoban seems to be working. Thank you and good luck with yours.

[ZenaJ in reply to Hidden]

They should let you know either way. It's not fair. How long are you supposed to wait before you can consider it hasn't gone up. I have my blood test one day and get the results the next. As if you haven't enough to worry about. xx

[Lizchips]

I've been messed up coming up 5 yrs. I have been using a prescription of basically the active ingredient in Mira lax. It helps. Good luck Liz

[Lizchips]

I tried the keifer, didn't help.

[Irisisme]

Hi Lyn, it’s been 2 years for me. I’m still on docusate sodium capsules 2 twice a day and Laxido sachets am & pm but I am much more comfortable and regular now. I still can’t risk stopping those meds - or risk a decent amount of fibre. That’s my new normal and I’m fine with it.

You really do need help from your healthcare professionals to sort it out for you. Write a few questions down before you speak to anyone and hold out for a proper solution - and take note of what Lyndy said and don’t play it down - it IS bad for you and you are not fine - but you can be better than you are 🙂👍

Iris x