Problems after stomach tube removal

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Having survived the five weeks of radio and chemotherapy, and the after effects, my oncologist decided I could have my stomach tube removed, as I was able to swallow again, and eat fairly normally.  The stoma site has healed up fine.  But perhaps I got too enthusiastic when my appetite returned and overindulged in food I hadn't been able to eat for months?  I've had ongoing episodes of constipation and diarhoea, and for the last couple of weeks I've had quite severe pain and gripes in my lower abdomen.  Dietician advised eating more fibre, and drinking plenty of water, which I've been doing, but the pain is getting worse, and I'm reluctant to buy over the counter meds when I don't know what the problem is.

I can't get an appointment with my GP, so thought I would ask here if anyone else has had similar problems?  I hope someone can advise me.

  • I cannot advise you regarding pain control but perhaps a discussion I had with my radiographers this evening may help?
    I have not completed my 5 weeks yet but tonight I was questioning the radiographers about support during the recovery period. Particularly pain management. He gave me assurance that any pain would be managed and that I would have the Radiotherapy contact details the 6 week recovery period and beyond. 
    If you have not been given the same advice, I wonder if your hospital has a 24/7 hotline to ask the question? 
    I personally would not ask a General Practioner unless the hospital suggests it.

    Hope you feel better soon x 

  • Hi I also had a problem that sound not dissimulator to yours mine was caused by what they called a hiatus hernia, what had happened my colon had moved into my lung cavity through my diaphragm, that had been made during surgery  the caused was by coughing. Apparently this is common so get them to check. 
    Always go back to your upper GI team rather than GP. A GP will have to do a referral, this will delay any treatment. Also GP’s aren’t always the best to speak about a specific area of the body they tend to know a little about a lot where your upper GI team know a lot about a little. If that makes sense. 
    hope you get it sorted. 

  • Roots

    if you cannot get a GP appointment, Call 111, do not wait around, you should not be left in pain for weeks on end. 

    Make a phone call to 111, they will medically triage you and get you the help that you need. 

    Lowe'

    Call the helpline for free on 08088080000, 8am to 8pm everyday.
    Tomorrow is not promised but it always has potential. Aim for your potential!
  • Thanks to everyone who replied.  I did get an appointment with my GP, who I felt was very sympathetic and thorough.  I had a blood test, and have supplied stool samples, and now have to wait for the results.  Advised not to take any remedies like Buscopan or Imodium, as these could mask the symptoms.  Unfortunately I haven't been well enough to have the follow up PET scan to find out if my radiochemotherapy worked, but it seems to me that doesn't matter so much at the moment.  Either the treatment worked or it didn't!  But I am feeling very nervous that I've got something else wrong with me, apart from the cancer, and that seems so unfair.  Or could it be a new cancer?  Just when I thought I was coming out the other side I've been devastated by this.So thanks to all for your understanding.

  • Thank you for your reply.  My radiographry dept was brilliant while I was having treatment.  As soon as the pain got more than could be controlled by paracetamol, they gave me codeine, and then a couple of weeks later prescribed liquid morphine, which controlled the pain well.  I used to keep a chart of what I'd taken, and when, so that if the pain woke me in the night I could work out what I was allowed to take. It worked well for me.  I never, at any time felt I had to just suffer.  I hope you also manage to complete the treatment  and the recovery period pain free.

  • Lowe, I was trying to find an update on Dal. The last post of yours I could see was from July. I hope the treatment has had a positive result xxx