Bowel movements

FormerMember over 6 years ago

4 replies
123 subscribers
2243 views

hi. It’s been 6 months since I finished chemo after a successful surgery and had the all clear in April 2019, after my first follow up. My bowel movements has changed but relatively regular. recently I have been going more regularly than usual- it’s not diarrhoea but anxious whether this can happen after surgery and chemo,before I go into panic mode and call the GP or cancer nurse specialist.

anyone out there can help me make sense of it?

Any advice or experience is appreciated.

FormerMember over 6 years ago

Hi LuKhan and welcome.

What op did you have if you don't mind me asking? I had a low anterior resection and since the surgery my system doesn't handle fibre so well and other foodstuffs such as beer also have an effect on me. Also because most of my rectum was taken away I go in bouts as I don't have the poo storage capacity so I might go a day or two without going and then go six or eight times in an afternoon. I wouldn't go into panic mode as i think it is common to have some changes post surgery but If I were you, I would mention it when you next see/chat to either the nurse or GP to put your mind at rest.

Nicky

FormerMember over 6 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Almost two years after a right hemicolectomy my bowels just do what they want to. Doctors tell you everything should return to normal but how can they when a big piece of your gut is missing. I have to be careful about what I eat, how I eat and what I do after I eat but if I do everything right I'm OK. If I mess up my guts let me know in no uncertain terms. Let's face it, living with bowel cancer is a pain but the alternative is worse.

FormerMember over 6 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi Nicky,

thank you for the warm welcome and thank you for sharing.

i had a right hemicolectomy surgery and did expect my bowel movements to be all over the place but get anxious when it’s a little more haywire, especially this last few days.

it feels a bit more comforting knowing that there are others out there who have had similar experiences.

I have also spoken to a Macmillan nurse over the bank holiday weekend who helped to calm my anxiety a little more.

Thank you for replying and for the support

FormerMember over 6 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi Cumbria-col,

thank you for your reply and for sharing your experience. I guess it’s still early days for me as it’s only been 5 months since chemo and 1 year on from surgery!

still trying to figure out what to eat.. cut out a lot of stuff recommended not to eat. Trying to figure out the blank W..

I know everyone’s body is different but can I ask what food agrees with your gut?

Also any tips on how to deal with the ongoing anxiety?