How can I fix constipation after 1st chemo?

Posted by charlotte12 @charlotte12, May 29 9:48pm

I had a totally hysterectomy for stage 3 ovarian cancer. No issues
with bowl movements or urination after surgery. Over the week-end I ended up in
the ER because of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, cramps, no bowl movement for 3 or 4 days. I normally would have 1 o 2 bowl movements a day. I had eaten high fiber food, lots of apple juice
flavored water. Not much walking because of symptoms. Took Miralax, nothing worked. At the ER a CT was taken if there was any bowl obstruction, restriction- did not show any. At home
i took Dulcolax, 2 tablets, OTC, which helped after about 6 hrs. Now again no bowlment. Took Miralax in the afternoon. What helped with your serious constipation?

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@terradean

When I had 2 rounds chemo 3- 3 weeks apart, I drank kombucha everyday, still do most of the time. Had no problem with constipation, stool softener wasn't really working and my grand-daughter turned me on to it. Radiation had opposite issue so ate cinnamon toast every morning.

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My gastroenterologist recommended taking MiraLax in the morning and Colace in the evening. This combination works for me. I start taking them as soon as I get home from my infusion. Before using this combination, I was semi-constipated for 10 days. Now I have no problems.

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thanks - the daily miralax is working for me now, daily bowl movement -

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@charlotte12

thanks - the daily miralax is working for me now, daily bowl movement -

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@charlotte12 This is very good news. Thanks for letting us know.

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@naturegirl5

@charlotte12 This is very good news. Thanks for letting us know.

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I take the miralax at around 12:00 p.m., same time, regular bowl movement next morning,

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when I was on 2 rounds 3 weeks apart, Carbo/Taxol my granddaughter turned me on to using Kombucha, I drink Dr. Brew living in Oregon. I drank it through chemo and to date feel the best when I use it. Stated regular daily. My granddaughter said one of her professors in college stated people could live to be 100 if they drank it regularly.

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@terradean

when I was on 2 rounds 3 weeks apart, Carbo/Taxol my granddaughter turned me on to using Kombucha, I drink Dr. Brew living in Oregon. I drank it through chemo and to date feel the best when I use it. Stated regular daily. My granddaughter said one of her professors in college stated people could live to be 100 if they drank it regularly.

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thanks-I have not tried it yet.

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update: I took Miralax in the morning before starting the 2nd round of chemo, and then in the evening,
it worked for having a bowl movement the next day, I keep taking miralax, morning and evenings for the next five days, recommended by my care time- so far no constipation.

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@charlotte12

update: I took Miralax in the morning before starting the 2nd round of chemo, and then in the evening,
it worked for having a bowl movement the next day, I keep taking miralax, morning and evenings for the next five days, recommended by my care time- so far no constipation.

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@charlotte12 This is good news that you found something that works for you. Miralax isn't the most pleasant over-the-counter preparation to take but it's fairly mild and I'm glad it's doing what it's supposed to do....and that your care team recommended it.

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When the constipation was really bad, the chemo nurses suggested Phillips Milk of Magnesia. It worked amazingly well. Start with a half dose or less - it works really fast. See how that works before increasing the dose.

When the constipation was milder, I used Traditional Medicinals, Smooth Move tea. It has Senna. I would drink a cup before bed and that would usually do the trick.

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@annalena

When the constipation was really bad, the chemo nurses suggested Phillips Milk of Magnesia. It worked amazingly well. Start with a half dose or less - it works really fast. See how that works before increasing the dose.

When the constipation was milder, I used Traditional Medicinals, Smooth Move tea. It has Senna. I would drink a cup before bed and that would usually do the trick.

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I'm still using miralax, works well for me, I use it once a day now, the first days after chemo, 2x

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