Chemo, bloating and insomnia

Hi Walkinglady -

I have had tummy pains too.  I think our system has just had a major shock and with all the different pills we have popped, it is not surprising it is all over the place.  I haven’t really found a solution, a hot cup of tea helps sometimes - as does a fizzy drink, which makes me burp and relieves it for a while.  I have different types of pains - some are sharp around the midriff and feel more muscular and others are definitely digestion related!  I put it down to constipation in cycle1 - I felt the laxatives just added to the mix and gradually they improved.  This cycle I tried to prevent the constipation, by eating more fruit, prunes etc before the chemo. It did work - the constipation was not as bad, nor the pains.  I did still take the Laxido, but only one a day for 3 days, starting on chemo day.  
I also had trouble sleeping in week 1 - I think the steroids do not help.  This also gradually improved.

Sorry not to have any advice - just sending hugs and hope that it all settles soon for you

Sorry to hear you are having trouble, I have my third treatment tomorrow and up to now my side effects have been ok, mainly pains in my legs. Have you tried windeze or I have heard and tried on the odd occasion buscopan can help with wind? You may have to ask your doctor first, sorry it’s not much help. X

I usually drink fizzy water for a few days after chemo.  When I had the first round of chemo I just could not sleep properly for 4 days.  My GP subscribed a low dose of sleeping tablets. I would get a pack of 30 that would last me the six rounds. I also find it is better to graze rather than have a big meal. Hope this helps

I usually drink fizzy water for a few days after chemo.  When I had the first round of chemo I just could not sleep properly for 4 days.  My GP subscribed a low dose of sleeping tablets. I would get a pack of 30 that would last me the six rounds. I also find it is better to graze rather than have a big meal. Hope this helps

Thank you all for your replies.  i had thought that fizzy water would create more wind and bloating but actually it has really helped especially drinking it through a straw.  I did manage to get more sleep last night but had to contact the urgent cancer line as my temperature was going up yesterday and ended up at 37.7 in the middle of the night. As I felt okay they just advised me to drink more water and see how things go.  It is day 7 so all I can do like the rest of you is take one day at a time xx

Hope all goes well with your chemo today XX

I had a high temperature after I had my first chemo. Ended up in A & E on intravenous antibiotics.  The first chemo is a bit of trial and error on the dosage they can give you.  Mine got reduced slightly and I was fine after that.

So important to keep an eye on your temperature 

Thanks Lindy67 I am checking my temperature several times a day at the moment as it seems to be coming down a bit now. Are you still having chemo now?  XX

I had my 18th treatment on 1st Oct. On a break now as things are stable. I have been put forward for trials.  Going to Guys next week and video consultation beginning of Msrch with Addenbrooks.  I will be updating about this under section on trials

Hi Walkinglady I personally didn't experience bloating and wind, just nausea for which I've been prescribed Metoclopramide, 3 a day, max 5 days. I was finding my worst side effect day was day 8 so my Oncologist recommended me take from day 6 but today I'm on day 4 and need to start today so I guess as the chemo build up the side effects will change.

I drink ginger tea, flat lemonade, tonic water and Green Bottle ginger and lemon grass cordial to help nausea.

I've not had problems sleeping as I have a 5ml spoonful of liquid before bed., they'll be glad to help.

Hugs, Barb xx

Have a word with your chemo nurse