Has anyone else had abdominal discomfort ( general internal soreness) and constipation start a few weeks after the end of treatment ( which included radiotherapy and chemo)? If so, what was the upshot?
Hi there Mrs Woodentop, oh the effects it can cause. I found the constipation to be so painful, and after having my first chemo last week (round 2 )I remembered it well. It can be a fine balancing act I'm afraid, but I try to go for the more natural side. Very ripe Banana, actually had baked beans on toast for dinner on Monday as was in so much discomfort, that worked a treat, jacket pots make sure you eat the skin, I am also going to start having a tablespoon of olive oil every day, the effects of treatment are very drying internally I think ? It does take time for the bowel to get back into its own rhythm, I also gently massage the whole bowel area ( you can google that one !) and if need take 3 probiotic drinks in one go (apparently one isn't enough) You could ask your GP for something gentle to help you ? I hate being constipated, and my main problem is that since the RT and Brachy my back passage has narrowed, It then blocks and then bleeds. I have been assured this is one of the side effects. BUT try some of the above, I'm sure others have lots of ideas as well, just got to try and keep everything well oiled and moving.
Fortunately I only had constipation a few days after the surgery but the abdominal pain has persisted for many months. It’s worse at night. Hope you can manage it ok
My current management is not eating, as I had such pain with it on New Years Eve, after eating light meals for a couple of days, that I called the out of hours service to see about stronger pain relief. Then I threw up, and felt a whole lot better. 111 sent an ambulance anyway, and I had a useful chat and advice from the paramedic.
She advised trying 'free from' foods , as gluten is hard to digest, and maybe lacto free, and really bland food like rice. Also, she said keep a diary of what I eat and drink and what gastric reactions I get, for self help, and to assist the medics with that information when I go to the doctor about it.
Cupa soups seem to be an achievable combination of fluids with some nutrients , so far today.
My pain also seems to get worse at night. I suppose the body is dealing with the day's intake, and it gets a rest overnight.
