Need some advice about diahhrea

jcorum

I dont post often but get on here periodically to see whats new. I am 8 years NED next month. The only issue i have had over the years is frequent  bowel movements and not much warning that they are coming, but at least the stool was not loose. So it was not that big of an issue. Had between 6-8 BM’s a day. The last few months the food i eat is causing me to have diarrhea. Very runny stools that make me raw and so often that i end up bleeding. Its brought on by about any fruit i eat, most vegetables, beans, cereal except the sugary kind like Frosted Flakes which has no fiber, good bread. I am not by far a real clean eater because I do indulge in cake, cookies, etc occassionally. But i do enjoy and eat a lot of fruit, veggies, high fiber cereals and breads. now i cant or i end up with a sore hiney. If i have to limit myself to a diet of foods that wont run right thru me, how healthy is that going to be in the long run? I ate a sweet potato for lunch yesterday and have pooped non stop and can barely sit at this point. I drink lots of water, no juices or soft drinks. i am going to buy some immodium tomorrow and try it but dont want to live on Immodium the next 25 yrs. If i eat beans, chili, broccoki, cabbage, tomatoes, lettuce, greens, fruit of all kinds, wheat bread, sweet potatoes, good cereal, i suffer for a couple days. I actually wore a Depends to work one day last week. There are so many foods that trigger it that it doesnt leabe me much to eat, certainly not any HEALTHY foods to eat. Is anyone else having this problem and do you have suggestions? I miss my veggies. I dont know why after this ling that my bowels have gone from just being annoying to being just terrible. 

mp327

jcorum

I have experienced the same thing off and on.  Actually my bowels go back and forth between bouts of constipation and bouts of diarrhea, or at the very least, frequency with urgency and occasionally some loose stools.  I have found that the same healthy foods you have mentioned can put my bowels into overdrive.  I rarely take Imodium because, like you, I do not want to become dependent on it.  I have found that some of this depends on the quantity of fruits and veggies I eat.  I love those types of foods and used to eat them in large quanitites prior to cancer.  Now, I have cut way back on amount.  It is definitely frustrating to be having these issues.  I try not to eat a diet of "junk" food either.  One thing I do eat, which I truly believe helps somewhat is Activia yogurt, which has probiotics.  I eat it for breakfast every morning.  If you haven't tried that, I would give it a go.  If you don't like yogurt, you could always try taking a probiotic supplement.

I sympathize with you and I hope you can find a way to balance things out so you can continue to eat healthy and not be running to the bathroom all the time.  I know how frustrating it is!  Take good care and big hugs! 

jcorum

mp327 said:

jcorum

I have experienced the same thing off and on.  Actually my bowels go back and forth between bouts of constipation and bouts of diarrhea, or at the very least, frequency with urgency and occasionally some loose stools.  I have found that the same healthy foods you have mentioned can put my bowels into overdrive.  I rarely take Imodium because, like you, I do not want to become dependent on it.  I have found that some of this depends on the quantity of fruits and veggies I eat.  I love those types of foods and used to eat them in large quanitites prior to cancer.  Now, I have cut way back on amount.  It is definitely frustrating to be having these issues.  I try not to eat a diet of "junk" food either.  One thing I do eat, which I truly believe helps somewhat is Activia yogurt, which has probiotics.  I eat it for breakfast every morning.  If you haven't tried that, I would give it a go.  If you don't like yogurt, you could always try taking a probiotic supplement.

I sympathize with you and I hope you can find a way to balance things out so you can continue to eat healthy and not be running to the bathroom all the time.  I know how frustrating it is!  Take good care and big hugs! 

I have TRIED to like yogurt

I have TRIED to like yogurt over the years and its not the taste but the slime factor. lol  I have even add nuts, granola, fruit to it to try to make it more palable. I think its in my head cuz i love those pudding cups and they are about the same texture. But i have never taken a probiotic and i have wondered if it could help. I think i will try the yogurt again and will try the Activia. Perhaps if i make myself eat it a few mornings, i will acquire a taste for it, like i have the 90% chocolate, which tasted sooooooo bitter the first couple weeks i ate it but now it tastes so good!!! Thanks for the advice Martha, I will let you know how it goes (no pun intended!)

mp327

jcorum

It took me awhile to get used to eating yogurt too, but I have it every morning now.  Even though I eat the fruit flavors, such as peach, cherry and strawberry, I still mix in some fresh fruit, such as blueberries.  I seem to tolerate it well.  I hope you can learn to like it and that it will help with your issues.  If not, try the probiotics that are in pill form or chews.  Good luck!

Amanda2511

7 months out

I am only 7 months out of treatment and have had issues with the big D.  At times, it was sudden and semi-tramautic.  I have a better handle on it now because my doctor prescribed Colestipol (which is a cholestrol medication with constipation as a side effect) and I also try to take two servings of Benefiber every day.  I still have d. at times, but it is more managable and I don't have the sudden urges hardly at all.  I have to watch what I eat.  I have a sweet tooth like you.  But, what gets me is spices in foods and sauces.  If I have BBQ, then I have no sauce with it.  I also have had to break up with cheese.  At least mountains of it.  If I eat something with a lot of cheese one day (like nachos), then I back off cheese the next day.  I am used to being on the constipated side, so this is a big change for me.

mxperry220

Try a Probiotic Capsule

Like you I have frequent daily BMs but not diarrhea.  I limit high fiber foods as they create more frequent BMS.  I have been taking two immodium daily since finishing tratments in 2009.  You may also want to limit your fruit intake.  I cannot eat as much fruit as I did before anal cancer.  I take a probiotic capsule daily.

MIke

Thrive_2003

Need some advice about diahhrea

I am 16 years out of treatment, and I cannot eat or drink anything if I am going out.   I also do not want to depend on immodium.  I do not go out to eat anymore, because the last time I ate out, I took the immodium before and after the meal, had a BM before I left the restaurant and before I arrived home, had a huge accident.  My Sister and her friend were with me at the time, and we have never talked about it to this day.   I am now afraid to eat out and have not been to a restaurant since August, 2018.   Luckily it was not visible to anyone else, but it was apparent.   Bowels are soft most of the time,  but I also have to watch what I eat.  I used to be able to eat plain yogurt with fresh fruit. Now that in addition to salads, upset my stomach.  I'm going to try Activia. 

PainInTheBum

feckcancer said:

(No subject)

please check with your doctors if they would recomend this for you . 

 

Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare .

 

while this did help me i am not posting this as medical advice. please do not take it as such.

 

Thank you for posting this

Thank you for posting this feckcancer!  I will be needing this list soon!

Thrive_2003

Need some advice about diahhrea

Thank you for posting the lists!

dawn7767

Thrive_2003 said:

Need some advice about diahhrea

I am 16 years out of treatment, and I cannot eat or drink anything if I am going out.   I also do not want to depend on immodium.  I do not go out to eat anymore, because the last time I ate out, I took the immodium before and after the meal, had a BM before I left the restaurant and before I arrived home, had a huge accident.  My Sister and her friend were with me at the time, and we have never talked about it to this day.   I am now afraid to eat out and have not been to a restaurant since August, 2018.   Luckily it was not visible to anyone else, but it was apparent.   Bowels are soft most of the time,  but I also have to watch what I eat.  I used to be able to eat plain yogurt with fresh fruit. Now that in addition to salads, upset my stomach.  I'm going to try Activia. 

I am now 10 years out of

I am now 10 years out of treatment and I know exactly how you feel.  I was on vacation about 5 years ago.  We had lunch and then were walking around and could not get to the restroom fast enough, ended up having a huge accident.  Since then I've had issues.  immodium has not worked for me.  I hate the taste of yogurt.  Also trying to figure out what will help.  I have other issues I'm sure is from radiation treatments.  Lately, about the last 6 months, I've had stiff upper legs and lower back.  I've tried stretching and more exercise but nothting is helping.  Has anyone else experienced stiffness.  I've talked with my oncologist regarding the diahhrea, stiffness & other issues and he just looks at me like I'm crazy. Any suggestions would be greatly appreicated. 

Thanks

mp327

feckcancer

Thank you for posting the above.  It is very good information and pretty much what and how I eat these days.  I do manage to eat a small amount of salad now and then (made at home, never when eating out for fear of contamination).  Cooked fruits and veggies agree with me much better.  I do not eat whole wheat anything, always white bread.  Foods high in fat can be trouble, so I eat those infrequently when I know I'll be home the next day.  It took me awhile to figure this stuff out on my own through trial and error, so thanks again for the list--I hope it helps those who are still struggling with this dilemma.

Jane s

meds

Diarrhea doesn't bother me, (as long as I'm home and the bathroom is free, of course) but I have to be very careful not to get constipated, because I have not just one, but a few fissures, lucky me.  If my stools aren't soft, or I have to strain at all I end up in with a lot of pain and bleeding.

I take Lomotil every day, sometimes one tab, sometimes just 1/2. It slows things down enough that I feel comfortable going out and even to eat, but only later in the day.  Mornings I STAY HOME.  I don't eat a lot when I go out, larger meals can definitely trigger movement!  I don't mind taking the medication eery day, and I'm sure I'll take it forever.  What's the big deal?  Immodium is supposed to be very safe to take all the time.  Anyway, that's my take on it. 

I'm 2 years, 3 months post treatment, by the way.  So far so good...

Jane

Mollymaude

Dawn and Jane

Dawn, I know exactly the look your doctors give you because mine have looked at me like that too! Or worse yet just said it was irritable bowel syndrome and acted like it could not be due to treatment. I actually had a GI specialist tell me it couldn’t be from the radiation because the radiation didn’t reach the colon!! I still get mad thinking about that! This forum has helped me deal with side effects and not feel like I have a bunch of crazy symptoms no one has heard of before. And Jane I agree about the Imodium - if it works use it and don’t worry about it. The stuff that will really damage your body we’ve already had- chemo and radiation! If someone feels like it’s not the right thing for them then I respect that too. 

dawn7767

Mollymaude said:

Dawn and Jane

Dawn, I know exactly the look your doctors give you because mine have looked at me like that too! Or worse yet just said it was irritable bowel syndrome and acted like it could not be due to treatment. I actually had a GI specialist tell me it couldn’t be from the radiation because the radiation didn’t reach the colon!! I still get mad thinking about that! This forum has helped me deal with side effects and not feel like I have a bunch of crazy symptoms no one has heard of before. And Jane I agree about the Imodium - if it works use it and don’t worry about it. The stuff that will really damage your body we’ve already had- chemo and radiation! If someone feels like it’s not the right thing for them then I respect that too. 

Mollymaude,

Mollymaude,

I wish some of the doctors would read all these post.  How can they say that our symtoms are not from the treatments when so many of us have the same issues?  I'm just trying to figure out what meds to try with the diaherrea.  I am currently taking Viberze which has helped but some days I probably take more than what I should. I have to get sample packs because this medicine is $1000 per month.   I have a big issue lately with uncontrollable bowels.  

Does anyone have any recommendations of other meds?

 

 

Mollymaude

Dawn

I don’t have any suggestions on meds for diarrhea. I’m sorry you are having so many problems. Your current medication is ridiculously expensive! If it does work sometimes you can write the company and get the med at reduced rate or free. If there is a social worker that works with your oncologist maybe they could help. Do you still see an oncologist after ten years?

feckcancer

dawn7767 said:

Mollymaude,

Mollymaude,

I wish some of the doctors would read all these post.  How can they say that our symtoms are not from the treatments when so many of us have the same issues?  I'm just trying to figure out what meds to try with the diaherrea.  I am currently taking Viberze which has helped but some days I probably take more than what I should. I have to get sample packs because this medicine is $1000 per month.   I have a big issue lately with uncontrollable bowels.  

Does anyone have any recommendations of other meds?

 

 

low fibre food plan plus meds

my advice from my doctors for me was follow the low fibe diet below and take diamide loperamide. 

The recommended initial dose of Diamide in adults is two capsules (4 mg) followed by one capsule (2 mg) after each unformed stool.

Daily dose should not exceed eight capsules (16 mg). Clinical improvement is usually observed within 48 hours.

when i had diarrhea really bad my doctors recomended taking x2 capsules every morning regardless to help things firm up.

please check with your doctors if they would recomend this for you too. 

Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare .

while this did help me i am not posting this as medical advice. please do not take it as such.

 

 

 

 

 

feckcancer

(No subject)

please check with your doctors if they would recomend this for you . 

 

Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare .

 

while this did help me i am not posting this as medical advice. please do not take it as such.

 

Dodiefae

Diarrhea

I have told my colorectal doc in the past that if I eat oatmeal, I am pooping within less than a minute (on or off the toilet).  He looked at me like that was unusual. I saw his associate yesterday and was talking about my "leakages" and he acted as if that's not abnormal after radiation. He also said my sphincter muscles are not so good which is not unusual.  He was shocked that I don't take Metamucil daily. So I am starting that today.

Do others take Metamucil?

 

feckcancer

so i googled Metamucil and it

so i googled Metamucil and it said " What is Metamucil used for?

Metamucil is a bulk-forming fiber laxative. This medicine works by absorbing liquid and swelling in the intestines to create a softer, bulky stool that is easier to pass. Metamucil is used to treat occasional constipation or bowel irregularity."

and i am curious to know , because it is a laxitive, why you would take it if you have not so good sphincter muscles & leakage ~ I was told to take Loperamide evey morning to firm up my poop and that would help stop leakage & to keep away from fibre 

Kim Gaia

I used loperimide (imodium)

I used loperimide (imodium) throughout radiation treatment. I had a lot of diarrhea from the radiation, so I was taking the maximum daily loperimide dosage  to control it: 8 tablets every 24 hour period. But it did work well enough. And it never got me anywhere close to constipation. I am a year out from treatment now and still use it occasionally. Took one last night after dinner when something unexpected started happening. But I don't use it much anymore, and I eat pretty normally now. Very important to use loperimide at first sign of diarrhea... don't wait for diarrhea to get out of control and go on for a day or more before starting.

Dodiefae

feckcancer said:

so i googled Metamucil and it

so i googled Metamucil and it said " What is Metamucil used for?

Metamucil is a bulk-forming fiber laxative. This medicine works by absorbing liquid and swelling in the intestines to create a softer, bulky stool that is easier to pass. Metamucil is used to treat occasional constipation or bowel irregularity."

and i am curious to know , because it is a laxitive, why you would take it if you have not so good sphincter muscles & leakage ~ I was told to take Loperamide evey morning to firm up my poop and that would help stop leakage & to keep away from fibre 

so I googled Metamucil

Good points. When I tried fiber supplements before, it did not help (: