Can anyone please advise how they dealt with the constipation. My first chemo last week and I can honestly say I have never experienced anything like it! I ended up in hospital with faecal impaction. Ended up having an enema! Nurse called it a poobabie! Any advice would be very much appreciated xxx
Constipation after chemo: Can anyone please... - My Ovacome
Constipation after chemo
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Hi,
Never had chemo but had a few small operations and general anaesthetic can cause constipation. I was given Lactulose and it really does work. It’s just like a really sugary syrup.
Also fresh orange juice and lots of water will help.
Best of luck L x
in reply to Polina44
Thank you so much x
Hi, it will be the anti-sickness tablets that are causing the constipation. When I had my chemo (six cycles) I had awful constipation with my first two chemo cycles and when I discussed it with the nurse she said if you don't feel sick with the chemo then don't take the anti-sickness tablets that they give you to take home with you. I did take the steroids though.
Instead on the morning after my chemo when I was still in bed I occasionally felt a little nauseous so just had a polo mint instead. Honestly the constipation was the worst thing when I had my chemo but thankfully for my later cycles I just didn't bother with the anti-sickness tablets and I was fine. I should add I did take all the tablets they gave me to take a few minutes before the chemo begins (and one is an anti-sickness tablet).
If you feel that you really need the anti-sickness tablets then perhaps buy a stool softener. There are also lots of laxatives but I didn't find them particularly effective when I was having my chemo. The only exception is high strength Senna as that will definitely work.
Hope you find what works best for you xx
in reply to SarahBa
Thank you so much. I coped so well with all the other effects but the constipation was so painful I will defo try the high strength senna xxx
in reply to SarahBa
Thank you so much. I coped so well with all the other effects but the constipation was so painful I will defo try the high strength senna xxx
Zelam in reply to
Some of the anti sickness tablets actually help with the constipation so maybe ask chemo nurses for advice. I made the mistake of stopping them because I heard the same but was better on a certain one. Unfortunately can't remember the name of it for you.
Prunes and prune juice!
Hi, I got very bad constipation (from parp inhibitors not chemo) and like you ended up having enema. I found over-the-counter treatments were not strong enough. Had success with Bisacodyl and docusate sodium. One is a softener and one helps to move it along. Been taking both for 2 years. 2 docusate in a.m. and 2 docusate with 2 bisacodyl in p.m. This took some experimentation to find the dosage that works for me. Of course, we are all different so please take advice from your GP or nurse. Hope you get sorted soon. X
I had been prescribed something and took it on the night I had chemo and sometimes the following morning too, lots of water, often when I woke up in the night, (which I often did after the steroids they give you) would drink water then too, constipation is awful and so painful. Hope it’s better next time, but I would ask for advice from the CNS and meds to manage, all the best to you xx
Daily Laxido is the only thing that works for me x
Hi, I suffered like you and continue to as am on parp inhibitors. I have had two major operations and after the second had to have three enemas!! The pain was the worst!!! To prevent it building up I take a Dulcoease tablet everyday. I watch my diet and if it does build up I find lactoluse does the trick. I also have Laxido on standby. The lactoluse and laxido you can get on prescription. Ask your nurse/doctor for advice as we are all different. Good luck finding the right one for you.
Hi, does the poo come to the point where it feels ready to come out but can't come? If so, I do what carers do for patients with bowels that don't function properly. Which is to use a glove and a little gel and help with a finger. I know this sounds awful but it's really simple and such a relief!Best wishes, Martine
in reply to Riverflo
The nurse in A&E had to do this for me! She became my best forever friend lol as the relief after was amazing! They then gave me an enema. I actually felt like I was giving birth!
Riverflo in reply to
BFF 😂. Well don't be scared about doing it yourself. Good luck xx
FlowerRose in reply to
Omigosh yes, like giving birth. That is exactly it. Like some other-worldly experience.
in reply to
I take pain killers for my back pain. Once a week, my wife gives me a series of two enemas to keep the pipes clean. I can generally go in the mornings after drinking a few cups of coffee but sometimes not. It's gotten to where I actually like the enema sessions because I feel so much better afterwards. I seem to have more energy.
I've been on daily suppositories since surgery/chemo in 2019/2020 because yes, that's exactly how it feels. So it's like the system is working, it's just backed up at the exit 
So frustrating, but I can't imagine life without morning suppositories now.
It's great you've found a method that works.. We just take it for granted when the body is running smoothly but it's amazing what can malfunction. I never had constipation before but have had it a lot both post surgery and with anti nausea tablets
Hi, like saffery1 said, laxido every day which you can get on prescription from your doctor. Works for me too. Good luck 🤞 xx
Hello Bunnyj
Sorry to hear about your constipation. I know exactly what you are going through. My oncologist prescribed movicol for me to take in addition to the prescribed senna.
Love and hugs.
Beth x
in reply to 0462County
Hi BethNever thought constipation would be so painful! Thank you for your comments x
I was in agony after my first chemo session. Consultant prescribed Movicol every session after that which helped immensely. Good luck
Around chemo time, I'd recommended eating only very fibre-rich, vegetarian food (no meat!) (lots of veggies, salads, yoghurt, fruit. Absolutely no white bread, no cheese, no eggs, no pasta, unless it’s wholemeal), drink lots of water or herb teas & try to drink prune juice too, and most importantly: take 1-3 sachets of Movicol a day. Without the Movicol I was basically constipated for around week, after every chemo.
Senna did nothing for me, unfortunately.
it’s probably the anti sickness which are a necessary evil! Ondansetron is the most constipating when taking it I had 2 senna at night snd 1 or 2 laxido in daytime don’t forget to drink plenty too. Worked for me, good luck 🤞
Tell them when you have your session its seems quite normal for some l had to take laxatives t. And still do but lm used taking them dont like too because l dont like taking tablets needlessly but needs must..Please don't suffer in silence l have a hernia that l need an operation for which is causing a blockage on my small bowel.Love & big hugs SheilaFxxx To all my dear friends on here lve come back from holiday with covid and have been surprisingly ill with it hopefully lm on the right side of it. Then l will girls be out buying the frocks & booking the flights very soon. All keep positive 🙏 love & hugs SheilaFxxx
Hi I really feel for you, I had to go to A&E with impaction after my first chemo. I really suffered from the constipation after each chemo to the point I would dread each session for that reason. I tried eating prunes, kiwis, drinking orange juice but to no avail ! I had a reduced dose of the anti sickness tablets before each chemo and started taking Laxido on the day of chemo and took 2 senna tablets at nighttime, also drinking plenty of water. Once I was able to go after 4-5 days I was okay until the next time! Hopefully you’ll find something that works for you xx
in reply to bananayo
HiThank you! Felt so bad going to casualty but I was in so much pain! My mum was trying to explain that it was literally stuck! To the receptionist...I ended up collapsing in the waiting area they rushed me through and I ended up with a nurse massaging and pulling it out! I will be forever grateful to that lady as once she got it out they got the enema in and cleared me out the relief!
I'm.too dreading my next session. I've had high fibre, prunes and laxido but havent been for 3 days again xx
bananayo in reply to
If you’re not feeling sick from the chemo let the nurses know and they may agree to give you a lower dose of the anti sickness drug at your next session and see if that helps, I know it’s awful and I can honestly say that was my worst side effect! Best wishes x
I was the same and this time I took no steroids or anti sickness and still had one really bad session. For the last one, I started with the Laxido the day before chemo (1 sachet) and it wasn’t too bad.
I always find a hard pear before bed works for me.
Talk to your team and definitely don’t suffer next time xx
Laxido, Movivol,Macragol etc are all the same thing under different brand names and very effective. I take two Docusate morning and night and Macragol as needed. I prefer Macragol as it has no added flavouring etc.
You should speak to your Nurse Specialist or your Oncologist . Constipation is a well known side effects of cancer treatment and they are the experts in how to manage it.
Drinking plenty of water and moving around helps too.
I was given lactulose. I am lactose intolerant so it worked ‘too efficiently’ for me. I’d suggest Laxido and drinking plenty of water.
oh I suffered post op and with chemo (then it goes the other way with radiotherapy 🤦♀️) and Laxido/Movicol was the only thing which did the trick for me. Make sure to tell the nurse at the next chemo and they’ll send you home with some. Like someone else said, the stronger anti-emetics you take just after chemo don’t help but the ones they give you for ad hoc doses don’t usually do this. Good luck with the next one x
My advice to you having worked in the medical field is to only listen to your doctor and the healthcare team. They are the ones that can advise you what to do. It is always helpful to drink lots of fluids and eat a healthy diet. There are many different treatments but you need to be under the care of the person looking after you for advice. Laxatives can have a terrible effect long-term.
in reply to Tealgirl7
Good advice will defo speak to my team before I do anything x
yes, speak to your medical team. I also had awful constipation. The mistake I made was taking a dose of whatever stool softener was recommended and expecting that to do the job 🙄. Took me 5 rounds of chemo to learn you keep taking it every whatever the recommended timings are until it works. I was doing my own manual relief 😢. Good luck 🍀
water water water and more water
Sennakot 2tablets and colace two tablets day prior and every night time from the day of chemo and days after for about a week then taper off
Until your next treatment
It’s part of the regime you have to see what works for you
Sometimes prunes helped a little
Don’t go more than a day or two without a poo
If so you have to go to the next level of comstipation medicine
It will happen aometimes especially in the beginning
Your nurse should also have advice
Best of luck
Margaret
You've gotten some great advise from others who have replied. Bottom line is you have to find the regimen that works with your chemo and anti-nausea meds. I've been doing chemo off and on for 7 years now. I've come close to being in the shape you were in but was able to clear my bowels on my own. The best advise I can give you is establish a daily routine when you know it's going to be bad (before chemo and for a week post chemo for me). I take 1 or 2 stool softeners a.m. and p.m. (you do not become dependent on these) and I drink Miralax every evening (sometimes a.m. and p.m.). And stay well hydrated. Miralax is fiber and works with your body's moisture. If you don't drink enough water, Miralax won't help you. That routine usually works for me. Before I take an oral laxative, I'll try a glycerine suppository. I insert it, lay down on my side, and try to keep it in as long as I can (minimum of 30 minutes). It stimulates your muscle contractions and also helps "grease the slide". It might still be difficult to push out, but it helps. If I don't go for 3 days (since I usually go everyday), then I take an oral laxative (2-3 pills before bed) and that usually does the trick. If you wait any longer, then you really get in a jam (literally). I've had to use a glove and finger method a couple of times as another post stated. I've also had to give myself an enema a few times (administer then lay down on your side and hold it in as long as you possibly can). I keep the disposable enemas on-hand for when a laxative doesn't work but I've only had to use those 3x over the past 7 years. One last thing I've learned is that when I have a strong urge to go but it wont come out because I'm constipated, I lean back on the toilet while pushing - it works for me.
in reply to Lobster2
Than k you, will definitely do this regime before my next chemo x
the only thing that helped me was dulcolax..I take 2 every night, if I still have problems in the morning, I’ll take another one. But run it by your doctor. Mine told me to take 2 every night. I totally know ehat you are going through..so sorry..
magnesium citrate. Take as many until you have loose stools.
Hi,
I always have had constipation actually that was the only symptom I had of OC nothing worked prune juice, ducolax nada it got to the point that I asked my GP for a script she said you need a pelvic ultrasound chemo made it worse I've tried many things but swear by Natures Sunshine Gentle Move stool softener tablets I get them on Amazon US $16 works like a charm their magnesium.
Avoid senna, it's a stimulant laxative and can cause severe problems, especially if you are badly backed up. Movicol is gentler and much safer and can be used up to 8 sachets a day to clear impaction. Start with 1 a day and take it from the first day after chemo. Increase the dose until you are going comfortably. It was what my CNS recommended and it was really effective.
so uncomfortable. I used Colace, 2 at first, then one pill daily am and pm. It kept me ahead of making a poo baby!
lots of fiber(oatmeal) water and suppositories. And try to keep your body moving. Chemo is severely drying in our bodies.
OMG this is so common and the medical professionals never warn you ! After my 1st chemo in 2016 I really thought I would die on the toilet like Elvis , the pain was unbearable and that first time I sat on the toilet for a full hour . After that I got some phosphate enemas and self administered, sound gross but actually easy to do. Then I started senna and I still take them every night to this day.
I’m on a Parp inhibitor and that causes constipation too. Drink plenty of fluids, exercise if you can, abdominal massage , good high fibre fruit and veg ( avoid bananas)
Good luck
in reply to K95m
Hey thank you! Elvis similar did make me chuckle! I think bananas made it worse so not eating them now either.Thankfully since my poobabie I have been ok so going to speak to my community nurse and maybe start to prep day before my next chemo. Definitely wont leave it that long again before I seek medical help x
I guess is normal I get constipated for days...miralax helps me .
Hi, I drink Black Forest tea at night and then I am able to go the next day. I am not sure if it is available everywhere.
Despite a healthy diet and plenty of water, walking every day and some gentle rebounding, constipation is now a part of my life (whereas I never had an issue before - I was as regular as clockwork). I had major surgery in Jan (first recurrence) and they removed a part of my colon and stapled the pieces together. Many other bits cut as well...
Even having a pee has now changed.
My second round of treatment starting on Thu (Carbo platin and Gemzar) and I believe I will either suffer from constapition or diarhee....will have to wait and see
Good luck!
Polyethylene glycol 3350 -laxative solution that increases the amount of water in the intestinal tract to stimulate bowel movements drugs.com/mtm/polyethylene-...
OR
senna (natural ingredients)
still have to ask oncologist
Oh my god the constipation!!! It quite often the anti sickness drugs. My Dr gave me laxido which really helps me I don't wait to be constipated and start taking them straight away.
I am South African and Aloe Vera grows well in our climate. However, if it is available in Europe, most chemo patients here find Aloe Vera based laxatives to be the most effective.
Hi, I too suffer from constipation and it’s awful. I’m on a parp inhibitor and tbh it’s worse than the chemo. Worst pain ever!! I take a laxative daily plus Laxido which you can get on prescription. After my last surgery I had to have 3 enemas which were dreadful. Lots of advice on here. I also keep a bottle of lactose for emergencies. Drink water, lots of it. Good luck and take care. Xxx
Hi Bunnyj
I had similar problems with my first course of chemo and also ended up in hospital.
I found at that time movicol or laxido worked really well plus drinking plenty and keeping as active as I could, also trying to eat a good balanced diet as well.
More recently I’ve found if I do need anything I take docusate-I find it really gentle and works quite quickly too.
Hope you find what works best for you.
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