Terrible constipation

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I had  HIPEC with CRS at Basingstoke that turned out to be Mucinous Ovarian cancer I had a LARS procedure on my rectum as the tumour was wrapped around my bowel, but had not infiltrated. At the time all cancer was removed from my abdomen and I was deemed cured. All my tumour markers were completely normal.

In December metastases were seen on my pre - chemo CT scan and confirmed by MRI. It was then deemed necessary to put me on Bevaciszumab to stop capillaries growing towards the mets. 

I had another appt with my Oncologist on 04/03 where I was told all my tumour markers remain the same and are normal to low.

 I am now having major issues with constipation. Also for the past 3 weeks I have had a persistent back pain that I thought was arthritis In my spine. I've had to have some codeine for this the past few weeks daily, for a torn muscle in my calf and also for arthritis causing joint pain in hands.

My bowel movements slowed to being just diahorrea dripping our, even with 3 laxido per day.

Last night I took 2 senna max and senacot liquid.

I started passing small bowel movements from around 3 am until 7 am this morning.I did not feel I had passed all as stomach bloated still. 

I had a 3 egg omelette at 2 pm and then went out to get prescription and some medications and shopping thinking I'd be fine

Just as I got to the surgery I got massive tummy gripes and had to bolt into the toilet.

What I passed was an enormous hard stool and a lot more explosive diahorrea. 

I'm shocked.  

I've never had this so bad before and needless to say the back pain went with the bowel movement. 

I am terrified now that my cancer is back and I  almost had a blockage. I have a CT scan on 24/03 to see if the Beviciszumab I am on along with the Carboplatin and Pacitaxol  are having any effect on my 3 small liver metastases. I feel frightened by my bowel issues and terrified it will happen again.

Anyone else experiencing terrible constipation like this, with back pain.

What did you take that was effective?

  • Hello,

    Codeine can make you constipated because they’re opiate based.

    After I had surgery (morphine and dihydrocodeine) - I was severely constipated. Had to have an enema because senna and lactulose didn’t help. Enormous hard stool too - in fact, there was 2 of them and then explosive diahorrea too.

    While you’re taking any opiates, keep taking senna and that daily - see if it helps? 

    Good luck xx

  • As Missy has said, the codeine is likely causing your constipation. 

    My system has always tended to diarrhea and I have very rarely had any constipation EXCEPT when taking an opiod. Then everything comes to a grinding halt. 

    Get off the codeine as soon as you are able and give yourself a little time to get back to normal. If it persists, then see a doctor. And, of course, be vigilant for any indication of a blockage.