Constipation

Hi Rob

I am no expert and you may wish to phone the Macmillan helpline to get better advice but be careful. It may of course be standard constipation but is possible that the tumour could be big enough to block the bowel and thin motions may suggest that there is not much space left to pass a normal stool. If you do block off completely you will know about it. You may start vomiting and the pain in your abdomen may increase. In your shoes if that happened I would be going to visit your local A & E. They at least could do an Xray and reassure you that you are not obstructed. Otherwise go back to your GP. I know that this is not particularly helpful and normally I would say up your fibre and drink plenty but I think you need professional advice, just in case it is more than simple constipation.

Nicky

Thanks, I will do on Monday

Hi, welcome to your online community and I'm sorry to read that you are having problems with cramps and constipation, Nicky Nosher has given you some great advice but if I may I'd like to add a bit more.

Are you also experiencing 

• constant swelling of the tummy – with abdominal pain
• vomiting – with constant abdominal swelling

 I would suggest that you stop taking any laxatives immediately.

You could try

• a warm bath,
• a hot water bottle on your abdomen
• gently massage your abdomen 
• and some simple exercise nothing strenuous but just lie on the floor, if you can, and put yourself into the faetal position and rock yourself side to side a few times or as much as you can.
• Stop eating
• Drink lots of fluids water, squash, diluted fruit juice etc you need to keep yourself hydrated and keep replacing the salts that is being lost from you body.

I would suggest that you don't wait until Monday but as soon as possible phone NHS111 or equivalent and speak to the duty doctor for advice.

I cannot stress enough the importance of not ignoring this as if this is a blockage it can have serious consequences on you.

Would you please let me know how you get on and keep in touch with us and if you end up with a stoma please come as see me in Ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy and any other stoma support.

Please don't wait till Monday, speak to a medic urgently and get some piece of mind and advice.

Regards

Ian

Please note I am not medically trained and give my advice only as being one of the online community champions for both the stoma support and bowel groups.

Sorry Rob should have asked if you are taking any drugs (prescribed or over the counter) that could be causing the cramps and diarrhoea if you are DON'T stop taking them until you speak to a doctor.

Ian

Thanks for taking the time to send me such a detailed reply its very much appreciated. I managed to speak to a doctor last night and intend seeing my GP on Monday.