Saturday 30 May 2009

Sess 4/12 - Side Effects - Dreadful!

I have been feeling too ill to post over the last couple of days. I have had (sorry to share this with you) chronic constipation since chemo and it just got worse. Despite taking Movicol, nothing was working. I even tried Dulculax which normally is rocket fuel but nothing.
Yesterday I looked as though I was pregnant. I couldn't eat, couldn't get comfortable. I tried all the usual things. Hot water with a lemon, herbal teas, Aloe Vera juice (yuk) and three satchets of movicol but nothing.
In desperation, I phoned the doctors for an emergency appointment, I really couldn't see an end to my pain and discomfort. Luckily I managed to see a doctor who was very sympathetic and gave me some medication to take four times a day.
This morning; slight relief, but nowhere near normal. However, at least I feel as though I can eat! I have decided to keep meals small and frequent and keep drinking the herbal teas.
It looks as though this is the chemo side effect I am going to have to endure until September! Help!

6 comments:

  1. Poor you! Constipation is seriously underrated as a side effect. It's a nightmare. I had the same problem as fruit gave me awful heartburn after chemo, I couldn't eat it, so constipation reigned....

    If you can tolerate fruit, rhubarb poached in orange juice does it for me every time, or a tablespoon of cracked linseeds swallowed with a big glass of water every morning should provide enough bulk to keep everything moving.....

    My local pharmacist, who is a bit old fashioned, gave me glycerine pessaries which really did the trick, from the other end.

    I'm thinking of you.

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  2. I have yet to begin the joys of Chemotherapy, but may be starting next Tuesday (unless it is delayed again for even more tests). I see I have a lot to look forward to.

    And then surgery.

    I hope you find a remedy that works for you.

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  3. I had the same problem from my chemo anti-nausea meds. And then I would go to Radaiation, where I would suffer the opposite. All I can tell you is, this too shall pass (no pun intended!)

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  4. Constipation is the worst ... I use Senekot S and have cut back my anti-nausea pills by 2/3.

    Not sure if you could tolerate cutting back the anti-nausea.

    I'm so sorry you have to struggle with that. It really is harder than any of the other side effects.

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  5. I too had problems but only after chemo 5!! weird really.. I rang my Dr and he suggested a warm bath as it relaxes the muscles in "that" area...
    it worked after about an hour... Try it too xx

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  6. So sorry to hear you are struggling with other difficulties, bless you! As if you don't have enought to contend with! Thinking of you and hoping the next few days are better! Take care hon, you are doing so so well! Sharon xxx

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