coping with bowel spasms after chemo

[Cazy1010]

Had my last chemo last Wednesday afternoon, no 5 I had bad bowel cramps that lasted a few days but this 6th chemo has floored me , out of hours doctors on Sunday for constipation and now the other way , I have never known so much pain saw my gp today to be told it will go off !!!!! Feel like I’ve been hit by a bus and just staying in bed any advice ??

[Fluffyjumper]

High Cazy1010

I don’t have any real advice but well done, you’ve completed chemo. Stay in bed if you need to. Try to ride this out. It will get better. You’ve been through such a lot but demonstrated that you are stronger than you thought. We are all here to support you.

[DinkyAnnecy]

I had gut wrenching stomach pain during my 5-6 rounds of chemo. Chemo affects the lining of your stomach, esophagus and mouth because these areas of your body have fast growing cells which chemo is meant to destroy. I thought my stomach would rip open when I ate. It did go away a few weeks after each round. In general, my stomach has never been the same since surgery and chemo as now I have to do small meals, but it’s completely manageable.

[Cazy1010 in reply to DinkyAnnecy]

Thank you I’m not alone !!!! Also have a water infection as well !!

[Saintgermain]

Hi Cazy, Chemo really messes with your digestive system I found the 5th and 6th frontline treatment the most grueling I actually asked my asked my Onc if she would please let me skip the 6th she said no that was the magic number. I did take a good probiotic during treatment and never had digestive issues maybe just luck.

[meadowgirl]

Dear Cazy,

I feel your pain! I get terribly constipated by chemo and try to get ahead of it with Mocicol, but it sounds to me as if you have developed a condition called constipation with overflow (I am a retired district nurse) take a look at this link and see if you think I’m right.

cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

Have you had a proper poo since chemo? You might need to get some glycerine suppositories from the chemist to pop into your anus to allow the hard poo to come out and take something like Movicol to move things along. Alternatively ring the oncology team. Your specialist nurse should be able to advise you. Wishing you well, Suzie x

[soyoon]

my case may be different, but my gut cramps were caused by anti-mimetic, metochlopramide (Regulon) which pushes food down by stimulating your gut muscles. You are supposed to take it 30 min before food intake, but if you take it after the meal, it caused unbearable cramps in my case. In my experience, it is usually drugs that are supposed to alleviate your symptoms cause their own issues like this one.

[soyoon in reply to soyoon]

reglan nit regulon