Chemo side effects

Hi Marigolds

Have you tried prunes or prune juice or chia seeds? I much prefer a natural remedy if possible. Eat more fibre if you can. I know it’s difficult when you feel sick most of the time though!

You will get through this!

Let me know how it goes

Livinginhope

What laxatives have you tried ?

I am on senna and movicol. Taken them for 4 days and nothing! Also eaten dates, fresh fruit , veg and wholemeal bread when I can!

The constipation seams to be immediate from treatment!

This morning I will be using a suppository!

Last time after the suppository the senna did work until next treatment!!

Never had this problem before!

Hi I also have had constipation from the chemo I found I got it day 1 and by day 4  it goes back to normal wether i take laxatives or not I have never suffered  from it before only on chemo the first 4 chemos where worse 5 and 6 have been much better 

I do feel for you, constipation has been one of my many issues since I was diagnosed, I've ended up in A&E for it, had enemas twice, you name it.... it's so horrible

I know its probably a silly question but are you drinking enough? I know senna will only work I'd you're hydrated enough. I think Movicol is same as Laxido, when things got worse I would up the dose as well, and that helped. My usual combo would be docusate sodium + laxido as they work differently

I would be careful with having too much fibre I remember one of my nurses saying that when you're constipated sometimes it can have an opposite effect 

I do find that a lot of this is trial and error. Have you consulted your health care team? I do hope it gets easier for you x

Thanks Judy

Yes, I found that it was almost immediate from treatment!

Something to look forward to, if it gets better ! Thankyou for sharing your experience!

I will keep my eye on it!!! I do feel when you know what to expect it it’s easier to handle!

I have had 2 chemos so far!

Thank you.

I was worried about it getting to the point that I needed A&E, but the suppository sorted it as long as I continue with the laxatives! It’s better this 2 nd treatment because I am aware of it earlier. It caught me out first time!

I do try to drink plenty, but as you know not always easy with nausea!

I wasn’t aware of the possibility of fibre hindering it, but Thankyou and I will bear it in mind! 
I have a phone consultation next week so will bring it up.

Yes in the end I didnt really take any laxatives after the first 3 sessions as it just didn’t make any difference It always went back to normal on day 4/5 it’s like my bowel just shut down and came back to life on day 4 

Do you have the 24h helpline number? Personally, I wouldn't wait for the phone consultation and just ring them up today, that's what they are there for and should help you.

Hopefully it's just a case of finding what works, I do know the dosage makes a big difference. I actually used to start on laxatives day before chemo, just as a precaution to keep things moving, as it's so horrible when it gets bad.

Take care x

Thanks!!

was thinking to start early!