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TDodds68
TDodds68 Member Posts: 29
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
I had a full hysterectomy on May 7th and since the surgery there has been a spot at the top of the incision sight that looks aherniated. It poaks out quite a bit when I stand and gets real hard. The Dr's don't seem worried about it they say they will keep an eye on it even though since then I go up to 4 days with no bowl movements and it can get painful especially there when I can't. They tell me to take stool softeners which don't seem to help but they give me real bad berps. They think it could be from surgery where it was stretched and the muscles should go down and that spot could be putting pressure on the large intestines and causing the bowl problems. Has anyone else had any issues like this? Once they do move my weight goes down some but it starts again and I can gain 1-2 lbs a day due to this problem.

Comments

  • jane65
    jane65 Member Posts: 277
    Hi,
    The doctor is aware of the spot at the top of the incision, and is keeping an eye on it, so I wouldn't be too concerned if I were you.

    regarding the constipation, Miralax is an excellent over the counter product. I take it in water or juice and it works great. I also take 2 Colace tablets, and a glass of prune juice.
    I know a lot of ladies on the OVCA forums take Miralax and it works for them as well.

    I'm sorry about your cancer diagnosis, I'm sure it was quite a blow to you. I hope the chemo works, I see that you've had an allergic reaction, that had to be scary.

    You've been through a lot already, I hope you have good health in the future.

    Please keep us updated and let us know if we can help with any info.

    Good luck,
    Jane
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    We all have bowel issues
    Join the crowd. I found that taking two stool softeners before chemo and a laxative when I got home helped. Addressing the problem before it developes helps me. Just keep working on it and drink lots of water. Saundra
  • TDodds68
    TDodds68 Member Posts: 29
    Thanks for the replies I
    Thanks for the replies I just started all of this and still don't know what all to expect just had my 2nd chemo last week. Have had these problems since surgery though so wasn't sure which might have caused this to continue. I have never had issues in the past sorry TMI but I used to have one at least once a day if not 2-3 so for me to go around 4 days is very unusual and causes lots of abdominal pain. The Dr. really hasn't said much but to try a stool softener I have tried 2 different kinds which didn't help just made nausia worse. I will try the one you listed. I have been to the point of using caster oil and suppositories when I get desperate and can't take the stomach pains.
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    HUGS
    Welcome to the board we wish didn't need to exist. So sorry you have to be here but as you can see lots of wonderful caring women with lots of knowledge of things to help. I use Miralax everyday but also take senna-s. I would start taking senna at least the day before chemo and then a few days following it really helps. You really want to ahead of this as all the drugs they give have the potential of causing constipation. And remember to drink extra fluids. I can gain 5lbs just from not going to the bathroom, and on this board there is never TMI. Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie
  • ladyjogger31
    ladyjogger31 Member Posts: 289
    jane65 said:

    Hi,
    The doctor is aware of the spot at the top of the incision, and is keeping an eye on it, so I wouldn't be too concerned if I were you.

    regarding the constipation, Miralax is an excellent over the counter product. I take it in water or juice and it works great. I also take 2 Colace tablets, and a glass of prune juice.
    I know a lot of ladies on the OVCA forums take Miralax and it works for them as well.

    I'm sorry about your cancer diagnosis, I'm sure it was quite a blow to you. I hope the chemo works, I see that you've had an allergic reaction, that had to be scary.

    You've been through a lot already, I hope you have good health in the future.

    Please keep us updated and let us know if we can help with any info.

    Good luck,
    Jane

    Bowel Problems
    Hi, like Saundra said join the crowd. I take 12 stool softeners a day, 6 in the morning and at night. I’m so afraid of having a bowel obstruction. That's my biggest fear. My oncologist said that was okay, do what ever it takes to keep them moving.
    Hugs and Prayers, Terry
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    TDodds68 said:

    Thanks for the replies I
    Thanks for the replies I just started all of this and still don't know what all to expect just had my 2nd chemo last week. Have had these problems since surgery though so wasn't sure which might have caused this to continue. I have never had issues in the past sorry TMI but I used to have one at least once a day if not 2-3 so for me to go around 4 days is very unusual and causes lots of abdominal pain. The Dr. really hasn't said much but to try a stool softener I have tried 2 different kinds which didn't help just made nausia worse. I will try the one you listed. I have been to the point of using caster oil and suppositories when I get desperate and can't take the stomach pains.

    OTHER SUGGESTIONS
    TD:

    Sorry to hear you're having these issues. And believe me, I've been there. The other ladies gave wonderful advice. But I noticed you mentioned that the stood softener made you feel nauseas. Be sure to take anything like that at night. The Miralax and fibers can be taken during the day. But if you use Senna-S or a softener or something like that take them at night. I took them during the day once and they made me queasy also. They are meant to be taken at night to work while you sleep so that you have results early in the day.

    And be sure to drink lots of water with all of these suggestions. They draw fluid from the body to make them work. You can become more constipated and even risk a blockage if you don't drink enough fluids with them.

    Now the castor oil can be taken during the day also, and it works pretty quickly. But again, if it makes you feel queasy, take it before bed. You may wake up at night to run to the bathroom, but it is gentle and works well. Magnesium citrate works well. It's a liquid (comes in flavors but to me it doesn't hide that yucky taste!) that also works within 6 hours or so.

    I sure hope you find some relief. The pain and uncomfortable feeling can be horrible, I know.

    Sending Hugs and Prayers that this will ease up soon for you.

    Monika
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