Constipation

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marcy
marcy Member Posts: 58
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
My MIL had her chemo last Tuesday. Like last time..she is in pain and discomfort due to lack of bowel movement. She has done just about everything. (Laxitives, stool softeners, suppositories etc) She says that she can not feel any fecal matter in her rectum when she inserts the suppository. She thinks it's stuck in the upper bowel area.
Last month when she had the chemo..we had to take her to the hospital because of the same symptoms. It's so bad..she's thrown up a couple of times.

The doctor told us last month there is no blockage..so..what can she do to help her bowels move?

My husband and I are staying with her this weekend. We don't want her to be alone feeling so bad. Please let us know if this all sounds familar to you. Thanks and God Bless.

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  • green50
    green50 Member Posts: 312
    #2
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    I had problem too
    I was told by oncologist and MD to use Miralax. I don't know if shes tried this yet. I use it every night. Only takes a few seconds and it desolves in any drink. I use water. One capful each night or even half works on me in drink and stir. Its a stool softener recommended by most drs and I believe they use it in hospitals. Its not harsh to your body. I have been using it three years. If she is bound up it may take six hours the first time. I take at night and I go the next day everyday. And of course warm prune juice helps but if these don't work go back to dr. I Wish you well. I have had this problem and had to use what they give you before surgery but thats not safe to use all the time. Then the Dr told me about the Miralax and I have felt much better. I hope and pray something works. I have been in the same way and its miserable. Take care and as I said go to dr if nothing is working.
    Prayers and Hugs
    Sandy
  • Dreamdove
    Dreamdove Member Posts: 175 Member
    #3
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    Probiotics help
    I found that probiotics helped alot. I used something I got at Wal-mart called "Pearls." I still use it. I stay away from laxatives totally because I had a bowel obstruction 7 months after I stopped chemo. Activia yogurt contains probiotics as well and that is what I ate as soon as I got home from the hospital because nothing was happening down there for awhile after surgery. I called the company that makes Activia (Dannon) to compliment them on their product because that was the only thing that worked. They sent me a bunch of coupons. But I do use Pearls quite abit because I'm not always in the mood for yogurt.
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #4
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    Call the Dr.
    Her oncologist can help you. Don't hesitate to call. This is a common problem and one you have to be proactive with each chemo treatment. Happens to most of us... Saundra
  • Bstrange
    Bstrange Member Posts: 87
    #5
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    Prune Juice UGH
    I have always had constipation and even more so after Chemo. What works for me and if this works for me it'll work on anyone! Drink a can of prune juice (small one) get it cold- then follow in about 30 minutes with a dose of Milk of Mag. (I prefer the cherry flavor) Be careful not to take too much or you'll be living on the toilet.
    love,
    Barbara

    My Chemo doctor suggested this. Except she said to mix them and heat them up ---- I drew the line at that! :)
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #6
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