I just had my 1st chemo treatment (IV) and finished did my last 5 day course of self given shots yesterday, I’ve drank a ton of water, eaten small easy meals/snacks, and I can’t poop. I’m afraid to take a laxative, and was told not take laxatives or use any kind of suppository or enema, by my doctor. They said use a stool softener. I’ve taken stool softeners and nothing, I drank prune juice, nothing, drank more water, nothing… and I’m not taking pain meds. Anyone else have this happen, or any recommendations as to how to poop. I’m desperate!
I found the anti-sickness medication made me constipated. Mentioned it to my oncologist & was told to take senna. Horrible feeling so don’t put up with it; contact nurse or oncologist to make sure it’s OK to take something for it.
Good luck
Do talk to your team about constipation you’ll learn to juggle and find something that works for you ? senokot on day 3,4,5,6 after chemo worked for me, I know others did movicol and we all thought about taking shares in anosol it became our best friend ? if you go onto docetaxol at some point that’s been know to run out every quick so get ready to be quicker than Usain Bolt running 100m. Do remember everyone’s botty responds differently to chemo but plenty of us remember the steroids causing botty block. Do also keep your fluids up ???
Shi xx
Hi
I suffer from chronic constipation unrelated to my breast cancer (altho it got fat worse after my op and when I was taking pain meds - coxodymol).
The usual and first choice for long term constipation which I use, is peg 3350- brand names Cosmocol and miralax and probably more.
This is gentle and can be taken daily for a long period. The dose can easily be adjusted. Senna is reserved for when things go wrong and backup and a rescue is needed.
Id check with your doctor and if your breast care team if its OK to take this.
Start on a lowish dose, half a sachet I suggest. You might need a lot more if there is back up to be cleared. After it’s cleared drop dose down.
Good luck.
Constipation is no laughing matter!!
After some serious backup, I finally pooped for 3 days, and so huge!! I think it was the steroids or anti nausea meds, or both, but what seemed to help me was mixing/drinking fiber powder and Pedialyte and tons of water.
I really hate the steroids, it makes it difficult to sleep, and my heart races. And I think it made me constipated. I only take them for 5 doses the day prior and 2 days after so I guess it’s just something I have to deal with.