After my best friend has surgery (not able to get all of the extensive cancer out) and healing from that vertical long abdominal surgery. It was said that the cancer looks like ovarian, and acts like ovarian but is actually called: Papillary Serous Carcinoma. While healing from this first surgery where they were able to take out a 12 cm tumor on the momentum (sp?) and removed that as well - she is having bouts of gas pain - not being able to expel gas has and is painful for her, besides the suggested Gas Ex tablets,etc. I give her peppermint tea which does seem to soothe at times but the Gas pain is the problem. Are there any suggestions you can think of?
Thank you for whatever reply you can send.
Much Love to All of You!
Linda xo
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I was going to suggest peppermint tea, but I see you are already making for your friend. My hospital also gave peppermint cordial. Also, if your friend is able, some gentle walks could help get things moving. The bowels tend to object to being handled during surgery and rebel by causing the owner discomfort. If the pain is really bad, your friend should talk to someone from her medical team to see if they have any advice.
Thank you we do speak with the team but they really don't offer much else other than suggesting she take Gas Ex or some over the counter medication. Be well dear friend
After my surgery, while in hospital, I remained very constipated, even though I thought I wasn't. The gas from eating had no place to go and filled up my stomach so I could not eat. It hurt to do it, but the best thing I did was throw up. It cleared the gas, and a few days later, I was able to use the Loo and finally could eat again.
My digestive has never been the same as it was before this ordeal.
But I am alive and amazingly well, so, she might just have to wait out this digestive interlude.
How long ago was her surgery? I panicked because it looked like everyone else in my ward recovered more quickly, and were eating like champions, while I was stuck and could not eat.
We tried everything. Bascasomething shots in my belly, intravenous everything. If I ate anything I could only belch until I threw up. I was only in the hospital for 7 days, but still could not eat and my family was fearful and the the next day, I threw up one last time, went to the Loo and the blockage cleared.
Took several weeks to approach what is now my new normal, but it went away. So for me, it was learning patience and having friends and family not worrying about me starving.
I gained all the weight back as soon as I got my tastebuds back.
I hope your friend will keep strong and let the meds fight the cancer -and win.
After the surgery, my digestive track "went to sleep" according to my doctor--nothing-no gas, no movements, it was just "nothingness" and they would not let me eat till there was something happening. After about 5 days, the doctors actually suggested I chew gum to get the digestive juices flowing again and I think that is what started everything up again. Its certainly not the most attractive suggestion but I would have tried anything at that point. Slowly but surely after that, the plumbing decided to cooperate--not sure it was the gum but I would try it again if needed!
Your post helped me so very much. Thank you! I am going to buy her some gum and I am sure that will help. Blessings and many happy days of good health to you my friend. Sending Easter Hugs!
Hello. After having radical hysterectomy back in January this year I must say that gas pain was most persistent and painful side effect. I have felt gas bubbles on my rib cage across the chest and the back. Its best to keep moving. I was taking a dog for short walks and it has helped to move the gas out. Also good for the bowels. The other thing which has helped greatly with the bowels was and its still "kompot" - a polish drink. Get dry fruits like apples pears prunes add cinammon sticks cardamon cloves and boil it for about an hour. You can add more water in meantime. I boil mine so it lasts for about 2 days. Its healthy with only naturally occuring sugars and it helps to go toilet. Good luck. x
Dear Linda, is your buddy constipated? That was my problem. That general anesthesia put my digestive tract to sleep. The gas would get trapped behind the hardened stool and was quite painful. My doctor prescribed: (get ready for this one.....) Crappuccinos!! 💩This consists of a Starbucks mocha with one capful of Miralax mixed in. You can make it at home by taking a cup of coffee, mixing Miralax in, followed by your favorite chocolate mix and some milk. Have her drink 8 oz water afterward. The Miralax is an osmotic laxative, which injects water into the stool, softening it. Of course, the caffeine in the coffee and chocolate stimulates the colon.
This worked a trick! Do consult her nurse/doctor first before serving this up, to make sure she doesn't have reactions/allergies to any of the ingredients.
Walking is a must, to get the gas out of the bowel and stimulate colon.
She s having small bowel movements, so constipation is not a problem. Just a few days ago the gas pain has stopped. She is eating prunes in the morning along with peppermint tea throughout the day that is really seeming to help her. I hope you had a wonderful Easter Marg. She was able to eat a small amount of Salmon, veggies, and cooked squash, and did very well.
Am going to sleep not really tired today with doing so much required housecleaning. I don't want her bending low, and picking things up yet until she stitches completely close. Have a good week Margie.
Walking as much as possible, yes, but I didn't find peppermint helped at all - what I found did was good old ginger ale, the fizzier the better (counter intuitive, I know) as well as ginger tea. I've got three flights of stairs up to my flat and was advised to walk up and down them at least once a day as soon as I got home from the hospital. I did so, slowly, and worked up to half a dozen times a day while I wasn't able to get out and about much. Gas problems (9 weeks later) now resolved.
Hi, I have similar issues due to Avastin to keep cancer stable, I was diagnosed at stage 4 so no remission. I find walking helps to move the air, sometimes I just pace my hallway at home and burp (actually belch like a sailor, it has my husband in hysterics). Also, to help prevent the buildup I’ve found eating very small portions, avoiding heavy foods like beef, bread and pasta and sipping (not gulping) water, avoid carbonated beverages, even water, helps too. Hope your friend feels better too, BTW, the affected area is the omentum, it’s like a net that holds the internal organs in place.🙂
She told me her gas pains are lots better. She drinks lots of peppermint tea daily and prunes are helping as well. What do you mean no remission!?! I believe a remission will happen for you! Please keep the faith, you are very needed by those that love you. Re: the affected omentum, the surgeon told me upon removing an attached 12 cm tumor she also removed the entire omentum...wow now that you said its like a net that holds the internal organs in place - very scary stuff. I do trust the surgeon however; and she will need to have a 2nd surgery after the 6 cycles of carbo/taxol have been completed. I hate the idea that another surgery has to be done, so many stitches on a vertical abdominal surgery - really tough on her not being able to bend very much or lift/pick up anything off the floor when needed. I have been doing all of that for her. This is door # 3 and neither of us have been there before.
Thank you Linda. When I said remission is not possible I’m not being negative, it’s a result of being diagnosed at stage 4. Right now my cancer is stable and not progressing and that is what we are working on maintaining. I have a very good quality of life, just get tired very quickly and if that is my only issue right now then I can certainly live with this. I have no pain, just some discomfort because of my treatment drug. So all in all I am very lucky indeed. Because of stage 4 I am not a candidate for surgery. They only operate if they can either remove all the cancer or if you have pain, so in one way I am lucky not to have surgery. Good luck to you and friend. I will keep positive thoughts for you both.
Hi Andree, I am so glad you clarified for me. You sound terrific and I am happy beyond words that you are stable and will continue to be!! My BFF will have a second surgery in a few months after the 6 cycles of carbo/taxol which we all are praying will shrink the remaining larger tumors. I am sending you BIG HUGS, and KISSES. Thank you for your support, love and friendship. I am grateful to have met you. Have a good day!
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