any experience with chemo constipation??

Posts: 10,635
1/19/13 11:26 A

Been there - done that!!!! UGH!!!

I had to drink lots of water and when that wasn't enough to get things moving I added Miralax.

current weight: 260.0

262 244 226 208

190

SparkPoints: (121,293)
Fitness Minutes: (26,469)
Posts: 19,793
1/19/13 11:12 A

I'm sorry you have to go through this on top of chemo.
I am on chemo right now also.

If the OTC remedies are not working for you, I would talk to your doctor or oncology nurse, you made need something stronger that is a prescription. Even if you can't get in to see the doctor soon, try calling the office; if someone is on call for emergencies, they should be able to call a prescription in for you.

current weight: -2.2  under

5 2.5 0 -2.5

-5

Posts: 7,719
1/19/13 10:59 A

Not even if you wash them a lot first???? :( That makes me so sad for you! Veggies have a LOT of the nutrients that could help you get better! I hope the tea works for you in the meantime.

current weight: 272.5

310 276.25 242.5 208.75

175

Posts: 165
1/19/13 10:54 A

Thanks for the hints Glitterfairy; I need 'em right now. I like the idea of the tea - Im doing fluid just fine for now.

Unfortunately I've been cautioned to stay away from raw fruits veggies; one - possible contaminants, 2 because they may have been handled by a number of others folks prior. My resistance is down during chemo, so I have to be a little extra careful

current weight: 205.4

205.4 199.05 192.7 186.35

180

Posts: 7,719
1/19/13 10:47 A

I'm so sorry you have to deal with chemo, and then the discomfort of constipation on TOP of that! If you drink tea, look for Traditional Medicinals "Smooth Moves". It is a tea with senna in it, which should help get things moving.
Whereas I have never had to deal with chemo, I have had frequent constipation when I didn't eat nearly enough vegetables and fruits and instead ate lots of processed stuff.
Drinking just plain hot water is something that I have done with positive results. Naked Juice Green Machine has some great stuff in it. Though it doesn't retain any fibers from the fruit and vegetables, it does have the other nutrients from it.
Aloe plant is a natural laxative, I understand.
Something you may want to look into is a juicer for while you're undergoing chemo, especially on days where you're really not up to eating. Making green juices, (like with kale, broccoli, apples, mango, pineapple, parsley, and cilantro) will give you some essential nutrients and help get the ick out of you.
Once you're able to eat again, look into getting flaxseed meal and chia seeds which you can add to other foods to help you get a lot of good fiber and omega-3's.
Feel better.


*sources: "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead" and "Hungry for Change"-both available on Netflix.

current weight: 272.5

310 276.25 242.5 208.75

175

Posts: 165
1/19/13 8:36 A

I'm experiencing constipation from my first round of chemotherapy, that I had this past week. I am doing Bendamustine plus Rituxan. The issue was mentioned as a possibility when I went for my pre-treatment educational visit.

I haven't had a bowel movement in a few days and am getting very uncomfortable. Constipation is upsetting my stomach some, plus it gives me intestinal pain, from time to time. Because it is upsetting my stomach, I'm not particularly interested in eating.

So far I've been dealing with it as suggestion, otc stool softener and laxative? Any suggestions beyond that? My plan includes putting in a call to my oncologist, to find out if there is something else I can do to get some relief.

I know this is a delicate subject, but I figure someone here has had this experience and has a suggestion to offer.

current weight: 205.4

205.4 199.05 192.7 186.35

180