Change in bowel habits 5 months post op

Don't be too scared. My bowels were all over the place after a left Hemicolectomy, back in May '19 for at least 6 months. I had 12" of my bowel removed then - & I believe that digestion after that - goes through much quicker. After three years, I still have very erratic Bowel movements.

Bowels take a long time to settle, mine used to bounce from loose to almost constipated at the drop of a hat. Doesn't necessarily mean there is anything sinister going on. Could even be scar tissue or adhesions, at least you will know after the scan.

I'm guessing it maybe side effect of chemo rather than tumour growth, but great they so quickly want to double check. Do you know what your bloods are showing for CEA?

Since starting my chemo around the same time as you - i've fluctuated between soft movements and constipated or hard to pass movements. My oncologist and nurses just smile and say "known chemo side effects".

Fingers crossed for you, but i'd try and look for the positives to be kind to yourself and you body.

Always here for you in private messages if want to talk more.

I’m hoping it’s nothing I really do, but me being me with the abdo pain and now my change in bowel habits I’m thinking the worst, I know chemo can effect everything and it probably is just the chemo but I need that confirmed x

My operation was in August bowels still getting used to what i eat. I was told it could take months to settle down, I watch what i eat so as not to have the runs every hour. Baked beans are out of the question, they are like a laxative to me. Make a list of what you eat, then decide what make you need to go and then cut back on the bad things works well for me

I had  my operation in June and am on cycle 6 of 8 of my chemo and my bm's are all over the place  (not literally)...alternating between constipation and soft movements. I take lactulose to avoid constipation. I think the chemo must have something to do with it and also diet perhaps. While I am non medical could a new tumor really grow so quickly after your operation that it would cause these symptoms, my understanding is they are very slow growing so how could one present so soon after an operation with such symptoms. That is my thinking. Are your CEA levels normal? Once every two days is considered normal isn't it?

I think where I was going like several times a day that’s been my normal since surgery so think that’s why she’s ordered a scan, yea I’ve started Lactulose again tonight to try and help. CEA levels is that a test pre chemo yea, don’t think they have ever told me the level but will get my work to access them when I’m in next and check it for us. It probably is just side effects from chemo but with my anxiety through the roof I just want a scan to confirm that