Managing bowel symptoms during survivorship

2boymom
2boymom Member Posts: 1
in Colorectal Cancer #1

I am 3 years in remission for colorectal cancer. I was diagnosed at the age of 39. I continue to have intestinal cramping, urgency and frequent bowel movements. I have changed my diet to gluten free and that has helped some. Do any of you have any suggestions to Regulate bowel movements and manage symptoms. 

Comments

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #2
    Hello 2boymom

    Welcome to the forum.

    I am happy to hear that you are 3 years NED, but sorry to hear that you are still experiencing pain and frequent Bowel movements.  I cannot help you too much. The only suggestion that I can offer - and you may already be doing - is to keep a food journal. See if certain foods exacerbate the symptoms.

  • KelleyTX
    KelleyTX Member Posts: 36
    edited January 2020 #3
    Before I was actually

    Before I was actually diagnosed with colon cancer I thought maybe my problem was ulcerative colitis. I tried many differnt natural remedies. I was having probably about 6 bms per days with constant feelings of needing to go. I got a bottle of probiotics on amazon.com called "LiviaOne Daily Liquid Probiotics" and followed the directions. This actually cured my problem of too many bms. Its a clear liquid that is odorless and tasteless. You may feel bloated the first few days you take it but afterward it may help improve your gut biome. 

    Kelley

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #4
    Welcome

    Welcome to the board and I'm so glad you found us.  As far as bowel problems, after 11 years I'm still trying to figure that out.  I'm not able to work anymore because I'm not sure when I'll go and when I'm safe.  I've tried everything from probiotics to flax seed to cutting things out of my diet and starting over to metamucil, etc.  Everyone is different though as just working on it is a start.  Hope you can find something that helps.  Please come on this board for any questions you might have.  We are a wealth of information.  Congratulations on being NED.

    Kim

  • AnneO1965
    AnneO1965 Member Posts: 182 Member
    #5
    Congrats on being NED, and

    Congrats on being NED, and welcome to the forum. I don't have any advice for you, but wanted to say hi anyways.

  • danker
    danker Member Posts: 1,276 Member
    #6
    Side effects

    Ten years aago I had  a resection of my colon.  a couplle of colonoscopyies show I  have been NED all these years.  My only side effect has been occasional diarrhea.  When I have to stop it I take LOMOTIL.  Most times I just let it run its course.  Soon to be 88 I wonder how long I will last.  Good Luck to all of us!  May you beccome NED and live long fruitful lives!!!

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    edited January 2020 #7
    danker said:

    Side effects

    Ten years aago I had  a resection of my colon.  a couplle of colonoscopyies show I  have been NED all these years.  My only side effect has been occasional diarrhea.  When I have to stop it I take LOMOTIL.  Most times I just let it run its course.  Soon to be 88 I wonder how long I will last.  Good Luck to all of us!  May you beccome NED and live long fruitful lives!!!

    108

    That sounds nice, doesn't it. I'll give you another 20 years, Danker. 

    Cyber hugs!

    Tru

  • Butt
    Butt Member Posts: 352 Member
    #8

    Bentyl May help.

  • dlroman4
    dlroman4 Member Posts: 1 Member
    edited April 2020 #9
    Disappointed

    I was hoping to see some some advice on under this thread because my father is dealing with the same issues :( So sorry you are going through this.

  • Tueffel
    Tueffel Member Posts: 327 Member
    #10
    Coincidence

    While waiting for the diagnosis of my dads cancer, we saw a documentary about diet in the aftercare of colon cancer. The woman got part of her colon removed and was again and again suffering from problems. 

    The mechanism to avoid it is to strengthen your good microbiota. I will write down the stuff now they discussed during the documentary.

    It should be a mediterrenean anti inflammatory diet. A lot of vegetables, fruits with low sugar, no meat (fish is a possibility), fibers (no wheat), legumes.

    3x meals a day, good chewing, eat slow, warm meals could be nicer. A diet diary could help what helps the most or does not. If you can, do some sports. Supplements are not necessary if you dont need them. The doctors should check your blood before you take anything. 

    Reduce animal products, use good oils with omega 3 fatty acids, brokkoli, tomatoes and radish are nice vegetables, blueberries also. Plant proteins, 2l of water a day, generally reduce quick sugar

    For nutrition with do and donts they uploaded a pdf on what to eat for colon cancer after care. Unfortunately for you it is not in English but in German. If someone is interested in it I can translate it. Just message me

    PS: this documentary are 4 doctors who work together to treat patients with health problems. If someone has problems with hypertension they give tipps and tricks how to eat so these people will have less problems, less drugs and less side effects

Discussion Boards