Diarrhoea and low immunity

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I'm in remission after treatment for follicular lymphoma (rituximab and bendamustine) and I've been okay for 3 years now, although my lymphocytes never got back to normal (0.8). I'm 72 and understand that this may not recover completely.

Currently, I've had really uncontrollable diarrhoea for 6 days, no nausea or vomiting, just an odd warning twinge of gut pain. I've no food allergies and never had anything like IBS. I don't feel ill, just tired and naturally thirsty. My appetite is down a bit and I don't look forward to the hour or so in the loo after meals! I've been eating loperimide like sweeties, but it hasn't really helped much and there's a maximum daily dose.

The problem is so bad and unpredictable, I'm living in inco pads and daren't leave the house and have to get up 2-3 times a night for up to an hour at a time. The nearest experience I can compare this with is the evening before a colonoscopy. I've had two of these, both normal and the NHS had written to say I don't need another one. The last was about 18 months ago.

Is there anything I can do to manage this problem?

Cecren

Barbara G- Macmillan over 2 years ago

Hi Cecren,

Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community, I hope you find it supportive. My name is Barbara and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

Thank you for telling me about your diagnosis and treatment that you have had.

I’m sorry to read that you have been suffering from diarrhoea. With any new, changing, or worsening symptom we always recommend that you contact your GP or 111 to be assessed. As you have mentioned that you are having diarrhoea for more than 6 days, throughout the night and your appetite is down I would encourage you to contact your GP as soon as possible. If you cannot get through to your GP please call 111 and advise them of you symptoms.

Diarrhoea can significantly impact on your day-to-day life. The loss of fluid can also cause dehydration and an imbalance of electrolytes which can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, extreme tiredness and dizziness.

I have listed some tips to help with diarrhoea:

Drink at least 2 litres of fluids each day.
Avoid drinking alcohol and coffee.
Eat small, frequent meals made from light foods such as white fish, poultry, well-cooked eggs, white bread, pasta or rice.
Eat your meals slowly, eat less fibre such as cereals, raw fruits and vegetable (until diarrhoea improves)
Avoid greasy or fatty foods.

I hope this information is of some help.

Best wishes,

Barbara G, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist.

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

Ref: BG/RH

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Diarrhoea and low immunity