Constant urge for BM with reversible stoma

hi

I'm not from this group but I did have issues with pain relief so  I thought I might chip in.

I had ridiculous pain with the effects of one of the chemos I had, mostly in my shins but also my feet, so much so I couldn't even rest the quilt on them, so pain relief of some description was vital. 

I didn't get on with the oramorph at all, it made me gag. 

There are several types of codeine based pills, and you'll probably need to get your GP to give you a small prescription for several different types, to be experimented with separately of course. 

"Dihydrocodeine is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic prescribed for pain or severe dyspnea, or as an antitussive, either alone or compounded with paracetamol or aspirin."

DHC is the one I used when the others either just didn't work or made me feel sick or woozy. Itchy skin is usually a sign of a higher dose but I suspect you won't want to swap down to a lower one ?  

The Macmillan app used to have a comprehensive list of pain relief ... 

I also combined the DHC with some Oxazepam, one of the valium family, metabolised in the gut rather than the liver, it helps as a muscle relaxant. 

I hope that helps ?

Carolyn

xxx

Thanks Carolyn28

I went to docs this morning, he’s given me some antihistamines to try and offset the itchy feeling from OxyNorm.  I might reduce the dose to 5ml instead of 10ml and see if that helps.

I’m reluctant to use anything with codeine in as this causes me constipation and might block my stoma.

Not heard of DHC, but think i’ll  have to wait until I see oncologist next week.

Many thanks for your reply and helpful comments.

This really is a fabulous site for information and help.

Linda. xx

Hi Linda

I'm very sorry to read that your are having problems with your temporary stoma

Can I start by talking about Oxynorm as you may know this drug has some 

Common side effects

( Which may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

Some of these side effects include

• , abdominal pain or discomfort,.
•  difficulty in sleeping, .
•  Rash

All medicines can cause allergic reactions, although serious allergic reactions are rare. Tell your doctor immediately, if you have a rash or itching especially those covering your whole body.

Linda, I'm more used to discussing these things when they are due to people that have a stoma because of bowel surgery and hope that by explaining these to you may help you to understand the problems you are experiencing.

You mention that you are having some bleeding, are you also experiencing any discharge from your rectum if you are  this is called mucus which the body still produces to ease the passage of stools and is still produced although it is not needed due to having a stoma.

The mucus can leak out of your anus, or you may feel the urge to go to the toilet. The mucus is normally clear or white, and looks a bit like egg white or glue.

Sometimes the mucus dries up into a ball inside the rectum and can CAUSE PAIN.

Depending on the type of stoma, a small amount of poo may pass into the bottom part of the bowel, resulting in a brown discharge. 

If the mucus looks green, smells or has blood in it, you should let your stoma nurse or doctor know as you might have an infection.

Sitting on the toilet every day and gently bearing down (without straining) may help you to pass the mucus out of your rectum naturally.

Some people may need a suppository to help loosen the mucus. (Seek medical advice)

If mucus does leak out, it can make your skin sore, you may want to use a barrier cream to help protect your skin.

If you are having radiotherapy, you should check with the team looking after you, before using any creams.

After a shower, remember to pat your skin dry with a towel rather than rub it. 

If you are experiencing rectal discharge do have a word with either your stoma care nurse or you doctor.

I hope this brief explanation will be of help to you, if you want to contact me further with additional information please don't hesitate to contact me and I'll do what I can to help you.

Can I throw this piece of information into the mix "A few months ago in one of my support groups members newsletter there was an article on Le Guerandais Fleur De Sel From Guerande where many of the members had contacted the support group to tell of the *healing* properties of using this product. Basically Le Guerandais Fleur De Sel From Guerande (Fleur de sel "flower of salt") is harvested by skimming salt Crystal's by hand from the surface of the seawater as it evaporates and that forms as a thin, delicate crust, it is expensive but other members mentioned that Maldon sea salt had the same soothing properties and I wondered if adding some to the warm water in your sitz bath might help." HOWEVER I MUST STRESS THAT I'VE NOT USED IT AND I GIVE THIS INFORMATION SECOND/THIRD HAND FROM THE MEMBERS OF ONE OF MY SUPPORT GROUPS AND CANNOT GUARANTEE IT WILL HELP but we all know that normal salt can be used to soothe and clean wounds.

In the meantime I hope that other members of the group will be able to give you some more help and advice.

Please do keep in touch.

Best wishes

Ian

Hi Ian,

Many thanks for your reply. 

I have been passing mucus in small amounts but I think the constant urge to go is because of the location of the tumour. I think it’s been growing “downward” and it’s this pressure on the sphincter muscles that causes my brain to say it’s full. It’s this sensation and pressure that is causing the pain. 

If I gently bear down, whatever is in there is passing over the tumour, causing it to bleed, and it hurts like hell. But it’s the constant urge to go that is causing me grief, 

l’ve been told that after my treatment finishes I’ll probably have to have the stoma made permanent, which I’m not looking forward to either. 

Thank you Ian 

Best wishes

Linda