Hi lovely ladies! My mum is 6 weeks post primary debulking surgery, and bowel resection and is still having some bowel issues. She's had pretty bad stomach cramping all day today. Is this normal? Does anyone have any tips? She's still on laxatives and drinking peppermint tea for gas.
Would love to hear anyone's experiences about if/when your bowels do go back to normal after debulking. Thank you <3
It can take many weeks after bowel resection for things to settle down. It's early days yet. That said, she shouldn't have to suffer a lot of discomfort so have a word with one of the nurses (ring the ward, there should be a number on her discharge letter). If you can't get through, contact her GP, or ring 111 as it's Saturday.
Hello, sorry to hear your mum is in pain. I had extensive debulking surgery about 8 weeks ago - everything but bowel resection - and I still suffer with bloating, pain and cramps but it’s very slowly getting better. Some days are worse than others. It’s frustrating. I stopped the laxatives but your mum may still need them because of her surgery. I’ve read and been told also that it can take many weeks for the bowel to recover. I found peppermint oil helped slightly. I also tried peppermint tea. Hot water bottles and if at all possible, trying to walk/ move relieved some of the pain. Although when you are in pain that’s the last thing you want to do, but it seemed to help me.
I hope your mum feels some relief soon and definitely call the hospital for advice if it continues. Wishing her relief soon.
Feel it's worth speaking to nurse specialist but questions I'd ask is , has she had bowel movements and massively important is she staying well hydrated ?
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