Constipation, gas and reflux

[Suds0812]

Hi lovely ladies,

Im really struggling, im on Niraparib last scan shows build up of ascites but Ca125 is stable 50...

But i am suffering from pains in my right hand side.. been on oral morphie that doesnt agree with me ... so was moved over to an alternative Oxycodone hydrochloride- which although kills the pain only is effective for 45mins... but all this has caused stomach cramps especially in the upper part and acid reflux and lots of gas... to the point where i cant eat without feeling sick... i am on laxatives to offset the constipation but stools are soft although my stoma isnt as active as normal... has anyone else experienced this and gound solutions...

Thanks

Sadie

[Lyndy]

Hi Sadie I haven’t any relevant experience to share (Olaparib does give me heartburn and gas but not so bad). I suggest you request an urgent review with oncology. You can’t go on not eating and the pain must be miserable. Surely they should check again to see if your cancer is more active than they thought or if your stoma is playing up. Then they would know for sure what’s causing these problems and provide some solutions. Time to throw your toys out of the pram I think xx

[Suds0812 in reply to Lyndy]

LyndyThanks for your thoughts... i think your right , its so much harder to get your voice heard when all you have is telephone contact... and they always seem rushed... thankfully i have a preplanned 3 monthly scan next week...

So i just need to get strength to stand my ground and not be brushed aside.

Hope your journey is going well.

Sadie

[Cumbrianlass5]

Been on niraparib since March. OV stage four high grade and inoperable. Thought I had only insomnia as a side effect until middle of September when I started with pains all over the place, upper stomach, left ovary area, small of back, shoulder blade, and various other places. Stomach distended and painful and then bowels stopped working for two days, passing neither wind nor motions. I was in agony. I was convinced the cancer had spread all over.

Spent most of Friday in A&E. However, a ct scan showed no progression of the cancer and no bowel obstruction. All this has been down to severe constipation. Apparently, my motions for some time had been passing through the centre of my bowel but the sides have become compacted by constipation. Had enema, massive doses of laxatives and then finally Moviprep, which is used to empty all your bowels before camera is used in endoscopy, gastroscopy or colonoscopy. Never been off the loo since! The relief from pain is amazing.

Surgeon who saw me said such severe constipation can cause all sorts of pain as it presses on nerves. I never realised I had been constipated. Was going to loo twice every day as normal but must admit I never felt I had emptied my bowels properly. I should have been more aware of what my body was telling me instead of convincing myself it was the cancer spreading.

If your stoma is not as active as normal this might be what is happening to you. It might be worth giving yourself diahhrea for a couple of days to be sure you are getting the constipation away from the sides of your bowel walls. It is not pleasant but if it relives the pain it would be worth it.

It is only 2 days since I found relief so I cannot talk long term solutions but alongside the stool softeners the doc gives me to take I will certainly be having prunes, kiwis, pears, olive oil on my food and anything else that keeps my motions very, very soft. Never want this hellish pain again.

Hope you find a solution very quickly. The pain is awful and yet pain killers make constipation much worse. It is a vicious circle. My thoughts are with you x

[HappyGoLucky66]

I hear and relate to your pain , I have dealt with constipation way before cancer, I just had my first colonoscopy and all is fine . I believe for myself I am a worry wart and I swallow air which will create gas and I have anxiety over my situation,we tend to pull into ourselves and hold in. My suggestion is keeping moving and drink some magnesium citrate now and then . Beware of to much fiber and take Metamucil daily.

[SGC2021]

Constipation makes what’s already tough seem intolerable. I finally found a regiment that keeps me moving. It’s all natural. 1.I simmer prunes in water until they get soft. Keep the juice and refrigerate.

2.My next concoction (from a cancer cookbook) is 1/2 c applesauce, 1/2 c prune juice (from purchased bottle of prune juice), 1/2 c bran or bran cereal, plus 1 Tbsp molasses or honey. Mix and refrigerate.

Morning : plain Greek yogurt. Add a couple prunes plus a bit of the juice. Add Great Grains ( a cereal by Post )

Mid afternoon: Drink a Suja green drink (found in stores) I like “uber greens”

Before bed: 3 Tbsps of your homemade bran mix.

You should experience relief. ❤️

[Suds0812 in reply to SGC2021]

Thanks will give anything ago...

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Hi there Sadie

I’m very sorry to hear you have been experiencing pain, acid reflux, gas, nausea and constipation. It sounds like these are becoming really troublesome for you. Like Lyndy suggests above, I urge you to please discuss this with a member of your clinical team as soon as possible – this could be with your oncologist or clinical nurse specialist. They will be able to provide personalised insight to the possible causes of these difficulties and suggest an approach to alleviate your pain and discomfort.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you would like to talk anything through. You can speak to a member of our support team on 0800 008 7054 or contact us directly via the forum.

I do hope some input from your clinical team will enable you to feel better soon.

Best wishes

Annie

Ovacome support