Hi, just diagnosed with operable bowel cancer on Saturday, - op date about 6 weeks I have been provisionally advised. A couple of questions I forgot to ask the consultant. One of my problems is the passing of stool. I think maybe because the tumour is right where the intestine meets the rectum. I get lots of small amounts and only anything of a remotely reasonable size maybe once a week. I have been on the low residue diet 3 weeks prior to my colonoscopy and remain on it now. I am a bit paranoid now about getting seriously constipated and worrying about eating. Is it ok and/or normal practice to take laxatives maybe 2 or 3 times a week? At the moment I am only 3 days after the Plenvue and colonoscopy so not even back to my "new normal"!
Also exercise, I do some weighted hula hooping most days just about 10 or 15 minutes and 5 kg weighted squats and arm lifts? Trying just to carry on as normal and stay as fit as possible before my op.
Thanks for any advice
Hi Lady Tulip
I had the same fear. Everything I ate I worried about blocking so I could only eat tiny amounts like half a sandwich my energy levels were poor
So my hubby bought meal replacement drinks. I’d had a little breakfast at eleven I’d have a Complan , small lunch and diner then another meal supplement. I found this helped me energy vastly and I was able to exercise doing the pelvic floor which was really important for my bowel operation
I was advised that I could take laxatives but I managed my diet with my food intake as after my colonoscopy I had lots of bleeding and discharge so I wanted to be very gentle I had gentle laxatives in just incase
If you’re used to the exercises then it shouldn’t cause any issues but definitely add some pelvic floor and any core
Ann
What operation are you having?
As weight flies off if you have a LAR with Ileostomy I lost two stone so a little weight before hands not a bad thing. I had bloating so that added to my scale’s experience
best wishes
Ann
They will plan the best for your needs .
I was straight in for operation as I was close to blocking
Ann
