Colostomy help?

lmliess
lmliess Member Posts: 329
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hello - I was wondering if any of you out there with colostomies might have any hints on avoiding gas pain and constipation? I thought I was doing fine then I woke up Tuesday feeling constipated so I took some Milk of Magnesia. Then the cramps came like crazy. I ended up calling the dr and they had me go in for an XRAY. Which just showed constipation. But the pain was actually unbearable so they admitted me and gave me morphine and Miralax. I was let go today but I never want to get that pain again!! I am thinking more water, prune juice and walking, but wanted to check if you all had any hints?

Comments

  • lizbiz
    lizbiz Member Posts: 120
    #2
    I've been there...
    I use Miralax pretty religiously; it's kind of expensive, but it works better than any laxative I've ever tried - and I've pretty much tried them all. I also so some yoga/pilates stretching (that seems to get things "flowing"). And, yes, be sure to drink plenty of water.

    There was something else I was going to post, but I can't remember what it was. Chalk it up to chemo brain.

    When I remember I'll be sure to post...stupid chemo!

    Hugs and prayers,
    Elizabeth
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #3
    suggestions
    Lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet? Real dried prunes rather than prune juice?

    I think the lots of water and walking are also great suggestions.

    Unfortunately, there's some trial and error involved.

    Good luck! Hope you never have to experience THAT again.

    Tara
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #4
    taraHK said:

    suggestions
    Lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet? Real dried prunes rather than prune juice?

    I think the lots of water and walking are also great suggestions.

    Unfortunately, there's some trial and error involved.

    Good luck! Hope you never have to experience THAT again.

    Tara

    Me too
    I was having trouble for 4-5 days with it and my onc gave me a prescription for "Polypropolene Glycol" in the powder form and I used a cap full 2 days prior and 4 days post chemo..It smoothed me right out. It is undetectable when mixed with orange drink or any other beverage and it works great and it not very aggressive. It was about $8 co pay and well worth it. It took about 2 days to start working but all is well now.................God Bless ya
  • tiny one
    tiny one Member Posts: 465 Member
    #5
    bowels
    Yogurt is supposed to be good for anyone who has had colon surgery. I try and eat some every day. I have heard others talk about flax seed being good too. It takes awhile to get used to new plumbing. I had an ileostomy, I was pretty lucky in that I didn't have many problems with it. The reversal was another story though. God bless.

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