I have metastatic ovarian cancer which has now impacted my small intestine causing bowel obstructions which are inoperable owing to the number and spread. I have been advised to follow a low fibre diet which appears quite alien as it is against everything I would normally eat. White everything, no nuts seeds pulses legumes vegetables anything in a skin…..what’s left other than white bread and protein. Apologies….just feeling sorry for myself.
Hi KatieS
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community. My name is Sherrye and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I’m sorry to hear that your ovarian cancer has now impacted your small intestine causing bowel obstructions. Between this and adjusting to a change in your diet I can absolutely understand why you’re feeling sorry for yourself, so please don’t apologise.
A low fibre diet does feel very restrictive but there are lots of options in each food group that you can have. I’ve found a few information pages from a few different NHS hospitals about having a low fibre / low residue diet, they also give recipe ideas.
When someone is advised to follow a certain diet, they should be referred to the dietitian team for further guidance and support. If you have not already been referred to them your oncology team or GP can do this for you.
I have also found a couple of websites that give recipe ideas for a low fibre diet, however as two of them are not UK based I would suggest discussing them with your dietitian first.
Eat this much – UK
Bowel Cancer Australia – Australia
Cook for your life - USA
I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.
Best wishes,
Sherrye H,
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), send us an email or contact us through webchat.
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