6 weeks after bowel resection

If you are straining, that may have caused it....probably best to take a laxative, to avoid doing so.I personally wouldn't fret about it, but would just keep an eye on it.

Best

Marianne

Hi NellyB,

I am 8weeks after resection and so far like you doing okay, if this was me i would probably contact your doctor to see what he suggests however, i think it maybe due to constipation and a wait and see could be fine, as suggested either use a laxative or include a lot more fibre.

Like you i also suffer with constipation and i'm trying to do it a more natural way by eating more veg and fruit but its a trial and error process for sure.

I'm also on chemo tablets and after day 10 been suffering with extreme tiredness and a metallic taste and even a chemical type smell from the skin but hey ho not too bad at the moment, are you on any chemo ?

TG

Hi NellyB

It does take our bowels quite a while to settle down, as surgery is a big shock to the body and it takes time to heal.  Following my surgery I had days when I was very constipated and other days when I had diarrhoea.

Having said that I think you should speak to your Cancer Specialist Nurse or Key Worker to let them know what you are experiencing.  You should have been introduced to or given details of your CSN or KW before you had your surgery, if not get in touch with your consultant’s secretary and ask her to give you their contact details.  The CSN or KW is there to support you and your family throughout your treatment.  

I would avid taking any laxatives until you have spoken to your Cancer Specialist Nurse or your GP.  They will be able to recommend or prescribe suitable medication to help,  You have to be careful with laxatives as some can be very harsh and should be avoided right after surgery.

If you are on a low fibre diet - as most of us who have colon cancer are advised to use - try adding a little more fibre into your diet.  Porridge for breakfast is good, as it is a slow burning fibre that passes through the body slowly,  and you could add a few berries to it too,

I hope you are able to speak to someone tomorrow to get professional advice on this.

Take care,

VickiLynne 

Hi TG , thanks for the reply , I shall mention it to my doc but yes , I think it’s constipation . I shall keep an eye on it and mention it to doc . I’m due to start mop up chemo in a week or two . Haven’t had date yet but I have to go to oncology for a blood test next Friday so I’m sure it will be starting the week after . I have to go in for an infusion then 2 weeks tablets then week off . I’m terrified of getting all the side effects already . What chemo are you on and how are you with it all ? Hope you don’t mind me asking ? 
Nelly X

Hi VickiLynne,

thank you , yes I’m going to keep an eye on it . I shall chat to doc next week as I have an appointment with her . Yes I’ve been on a low fibre diet since operation so will definitely add more fibre . It’s all such a learning curve at the moment ,

Nelly X

Hi Nelly

It is a big learning curve.  I had to make a few changes to my diet as I found that eating red meat gave me a lot of pain, so I have cut that, high fibre foods and spices from my diet.  I still have bad days, but on the whole it is manageable.   

Like you I was terrified at the thought of chemo, I imagined that I would have every side affect that they told me about, of course I didn’t but I did have a few and my chemo was adjusted to make it more manageable.  The tiredness was the worst thing as I got increasingly tired the more chemo I had and it took about six months before I got my energy back.  I found it was best to rest on the days I felt very tired and to catch up on things on the days I had more energy.

You should be fine, so long as you speak to the Specialist Nurse or the chemo unit if you have any side effects or are worried about your treatment.  Once I had  completed the first session of iv and tablets  found it easier to deal with and you will probably find it easier once you’re through the first couple of sessions.

Take care,

VickiLynne

Hi Nelly,

   I'm on 3 months Capecitabine tablets, 5 in the morning then 6 in the evening after meals, then week off blood test then start over again, to be honest fed up of taking tablets already even after only 10 days  but side effects not bad at the moment so shouldn't grumble,

VickiLynne is correct you should always consult your care team before taking any other meds, i had done this with a laxative and i was taking paracetamol for pain which was also confirmed okay by the oncologist.

Hope all goes well with chemo, try not to worry as you can't change anything anyway ! 

TG

Hi  Marianne , thank you , yeah , I’m sure that’s what it is . I’ve only started eating more fibre as I didn’t want the runs all the time, and I really must drink more water . My doc is phoning me on Tuesday to see how I am ( started antidepressants as I’ve been struggling with terrible panic attacks ) so I will mention it then . 
Many thanks , Nelly X

Good news Nelly! Write down everything you need to ask beforehand...I always find that helpful before a telephone consultation. xx

Good idea , thank you X