Hi ladies, please can i have some advice . I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer on 17th November 2021 and am awaiting surgery on 23rd January 2022.
I am now experiencing sharp pains in my pelvis and ribs and paracetamol is not doing anything to ease the pains. I am eating very little as my tummy is so swollen I feel like its about to burst!!
Can you suggest what I could possibly eat or drink or do to ease some of these pains I am experiencing.
many thanks
I should point out I am not a patient, but have supported my mum this year, If you are so bloated that no relief can be found and you are unable to eat please speak to your cancer team . My mum was able to have the fluid drained before beginning her treatment which then allowed more normal eating so kept her strength up for the treatment. Wishing you well on your journey. xx
Towgirl gives good advice. If you get to the point where you can’t stand it…go to A and E for an emergency drain. Waiting times have been extended by covid but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get the treatment you need xx
Hi Windywoo,
You’ve had good advice so far and I back it up; you must get help with this. You may need fluid drained off. Could it be constipation? Even if you’re passing it can still be a partial blockage, and these can put you in A&E so don’t suffer in silence until it becomes critical, phone for help.
It’s Sunday but you should still be able to leave a message for the Cancer Nurse Specialist to get back to you (or whoever you usually contact about your treatment). Your oncologist’s secretary should also pick up a message on Monday for passing on.
You shouldn’t have to suffer the way you are. You may need better pain meds and/or laxatives, even if it isn’t fluid (ascites).
Good Luck Windywoo 🍀🍀
Iris🤗
Ps don’t forget to give us an update 😊
Just a ps Windywoo, if you go to A&E don’t forget to flash your chemo card at the first ‘person in charge’ you see. This should get you a private space - and pronto!
I've found ibuprofen works for me as seems to take some of the inflammation down but may not work for everyone.x
I experienced similar with swollen tummy. A great relief once I had been drained usually around 6 litres! We have a helpline at the hospital where I am treated, which you can phone and they are able to admit you without having to go to A&E. You go straight through to Chemo team. Not sure if all hospitals operate in a similar way. Hope you get relief from your pain soon x
I do not want to scare you and it's probably just as others say but I had a bloated tummy a few weeks ago. I assumed it was ascites but it turned out to be a bowel block. I'm sure it's not this but please do get checked out, even if you start with a telephone call. Sending love and hope xxx
Hi, it really is best to speak to your Gp or cns nurse. During the time between my diagnosis and my surgery(18 Aug to 13th Sept) I also sought some advice as I was in so much discomfort. I had a visit to a and e, had a further scan, and got some help with pain relief. I had zomorph tablets and laxatives. I also had more pain relief in between those doses as and when needed. They helped get me through. A lot of fluid was removed when I had my surgery, which explained why I was so so bloated and in pain. It is worth asking for the help. The surgeon was fantastic, so skilful, but also so caring and she explained everything and open to answer questions and offer advice. I really do wish you well in your surgery, pre and post, and your recovery. Xx
Call your rapid response number if you have one they assess your symptoms and as a previous lady said will get you in if need be quickly. Take care. don't worry about bothering anyone because your not you! you do not have to put up with pain for whatever reason. Hope you get relief doing
You might need fluid draining or it could be severe constipation, which is horribly painful. My stomach and intestines stopped working and were not moving food along and I had a horrendous two months, but my Macmillan nurse and GP got me on medications (28 pills a day at first) and the result has been amazing. Dont suffer in silence. Get on to your cancer nurse, your GP and your oncologist and then ring the Macmillan helpline. Best wishes you get it sorted soon x
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