Bowel Movement

Jessie Davis
Jessie Davis Member Posts: 2
edited October 2022 in Esophageal Cancer #1

Hello I just recently had an esophagectomy and I am wondering is it normal to have trouble using the bathroom??? Can anyone give me any advice on how to have one normally without taking anything such as a suppository,enema or prune juice any information would be helpful

Comments

  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,391 Member
    #2
    Most post esophagectomy patients report the opposite issue

    Jessie,

    Most of us who have had an esophagectomy report having a problem with frequent and urgent bowel movements after surgery. It is something that is common and referred to as “dumping syndrome” an is caused when undigested food moves from the stomaphagus to the small intestine too quickly.

    Folks who report constipation issues are frequently taking a pain relief medication like oxycodone or some other opioid based medication. These are infamous for causing constipation and many patients report relief from regular use of an over the counter aid like Colace. If you are still taking an after-surgery pain medication; things should clear once you discontinue that medication.

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams

    McCormick, South Carolina

     

    DX 10/2009 T2N1M0  Stage IIB - Ivor Lewis Surgery  12/3/2009
    Post Surgery Chemotherapy 2/2009 – 6/2009 Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    Seven Year Survivor

     

     

    Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!

  • LorettaMarshall
    LorettaMarshall Member Posts: 662 Member
    #3
    Bowels should settle down w/time~Food/liquid intake is key!

    Hi Jesse ~ Have chosen to answer you on the following "new topic" link here:  https://csn.cancer.org/node/312924 - since bowel problems can persist for several months.  I agree with Paul.  Opioid use might be part of your problem depending on meds you might be having to take.  A post-esophagectomy diet will be different for a while.  But eventually you can go back to eating all the things you love but in moderation.  

    Post-Esophagectomy patients commonly experience problems with bowels for a period of months after their surgery.  The body will become accustomed to the new way of eating, drinking and sleeping, and things will "get back to normal."  It does take time. 

    If organs could talk to each other, can you imagine the conversation between the esophagus, the stomach and the intestines?   

    They could write their own book entitled:  WHAT HAPPENED? ? ? Frown

    Loretta (William's wife)He is now in his 15th year of cancer-free survival following DX in 2002! - MIE @ UPMC 05-17-03.

  • Jessie Davis
    Jessie Davis Member Posts: 2
    #4
    paul61 said:

    Most post esophagectomy patients report the opposite issue

    Jessie,

    Most of us who have had an esophagectomy report having a problem with frequent and urgent bowel movements after surgery. It is something that is common and referred to as “dumping syndrome” an is caused when undigested food moves from the stomaphagus to the small intestine too quickly.

    Folks who report constipation issues are frequently taking a pain relief medication like oxycodone or some other opioid based medication. These are infamous for causing constipation and many patients report relief from regular use of an over the counter aid like Colace. If you are still taking an after-surgery pain medication; things should clear once you discontinue that medication.

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams

    McCormick, South Carolina

     

    DX 10/2009 T2N1M0  Stage IIB - Ivor Lewis Surgery  12/3/2009
    Post Surgery Chemotherapy 2/2009 – 6/2009 Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    Seven Year Survivor

     

     

    Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!

    Thank you but I'm not taking

    Thank you but I'm not taking any pain meds I just dont have a bowel movement everyday I have to take something to make me go ,maybe it's not due to the surgery I was just wondering so many different things going on right now I just don't know

  • Mstillman1970
    Mstillman1970 Member Posts: 1 *
    #5

    I have painful bowel movements post esophagectomy

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