Irregular bowel movements

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Hi all, I just want to find out how long it takes after surgery and chemo for one to have settled bowel movements? Bowel resection was done in July 2021, chemo from end of September 2021 to end of December (4 cycles of Capox).

I'm still experiencing irregular bowel movements, at times once a day, at times twice and even 3 times plus a lot of gassing as well. These were the same symptoms I experienced before the diagnosis and at times I feel as if no treatment and surgery was done.

Has anyone experienced the same?

Thanks.

Kareno62 over 3 years ago

Hi Bertz. It’s very hard to predict to be honest. My surgeon said my bOwens would never go back to how they were but that I would get used to a ‘new normal’. It may well settle down over time or you may have to use loperamide regularly. If you’re struggling then perhaps give your Colorectal Support Nurse a ring and see what they suggest?

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

NellyB over 3 years ago

Hi Bertz , I had my resection surgery in sept 2020 and I’m still all over the place . I’m more on the constipated side now but I can still go from once to 5 times a day ( average 2) I can contro myself more but depending on what I’ve eaten every day is different . I use psyllium husk and movacol which really helps . My colorectal nurse said , you usually reach your new normal by a year from surgery but I’m still a work in progress ,

take care x

Bertz over 3 years ago in reply to Kareno62

Hi thanks Karen I will give my nurse a call and hear what she says. Thanks for the advice. Xxxxx

Bertz over 3 years ago in reply to NellyB

Thanks NellyB for the feedback. I'll hear what the nurse will say and ask if I can try those meds you have mentioned.

Thanks

Gemmary over 3 years ago

Hi, Bertz, if you speak to your nurse it might be worth asking if you might have the start of LARS if you had rectal cancer. Low anterior resection syndrome. But generally it is probably still early days for you. Take care

Bertz over 3 years ago in reply to Gemmary

Hi Gemmary thanks, I'm not sure if that applies to me since I had a right hemicolectomy. All the same thanks for the pointer. I'll ask the nurse as weel.

Cheers

Kareno62 over 3 years ago in reply to Bertz

Just had another thought Bertz. Have a look at bile malabsorption after a right hemicolectomy on page 4 of booklet below?

bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/.../RegainingBowelControl_BowelCancerUK.pdf

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

NellyB over 3 years ago in reply to Kareno62

This is very helpful Kareno62 . Lots of good advice in here . I was given a booklet when I was first diagnosed but have lost it . X

Bertz over 3 years ago in reply to Kareno62

Thanks Kareno62. That info is really helpful.

Cheers

Planky over 3 years ago

Hi Bertz, I was also diagnosed in July, had high anterior resection August and finished chemo (4 rounds) mid Jan. I'm still experiencing irregular bowel movements but with constipation (can go upto 6 days constipated) I have got the pills n potions to relieve it but I don't want to rely on them as I've been told it can cause a lazy bowel, have you been suffering with neuropathy to hands and feet? At the minute I've got them really bad hopefully they will subside. Keep strong matey