constipation

[Bill]

Hi everyone! It has been a rough week. Y'all have been in my thoughts and prayers. I know with chemo. you sometimes have to be careful with the constipation/diarrhea issue. I've got a friend who has severe constipation issues. Can you ladies make any recommendations on any OTC meds or dietary advice. I know she is on Navelbine. Thanks in advance, Bill

[hutchibk]

In the past I had the issue a time or two on early treatments and I asked my onc what he recommended - he likes to suggest just the old school method of drinking prune juice. I seem to remember it helping me through a time or two. Other than that, I can't offer any other idea... but I am sure someone here can.

[PinkGirl]

Hi Bill
I used Senekot S with lots of water. Lactulose is
also good but it is more harsh. These are both
over the counter meds and they were suggested
by my chemo nurse. Generically, the Senekot S is
called Docusate Sodium with Senna.

[Chelee]

I'm with Pink on this one. I know far more about constipation then I'd like to admit. I've tried it all and believe me....Senokot is by far the best in my opinion.

Chelee

[nitewind]

Hi Bill, sorry your friend is having so much trouble with this issue. I had a rough time with it too. Senekot worked somewhat but what really did the job for me was that fairly new yogurt that promises to regulate your digestive system. I'm not sure of the name now cause it's been awhile. Might have been Activia. I ate one little container of that stuff and it sure did the trick.
Good luck to your friend
Hugs

[pattyz]

Hi Bill,

The suggestions here are a good start. The dosage for 'severe' may need to be increased substantially, tho'. Depending on my 'severity', I have taken up to six of the one and three of the other at night.....

Walmarts own brand of Senna plus and their stool softeners will save some $$$ and are just as effective.

Also, Miralax now OTC is good.

Glycerin Suppositories..... I have those always on hand, so to speak. (Get myself a freebie glove waiting to see onc.)

And, last but not least for me: my trusty Fleet Enema's.

If your friend would rather, here are two recipe type aids:


Yakima Valley Anti Constipation Fruit Paste

1 # pitted prunes
4 oz senna tea leaves (from health food store)
1 # raisins
1 # figs
1 cup lemon juice

1. Prepare tea; use about 2 1/2 cups boiling water, add to tea
leaves and steep for 5 minutes.
2. Strain tea to remove tea leaves.
3. Place the tea in a large pan
4. Add all the fruit to the tea
5. Simmer for 15 minutes
6. Remove from heat and add lemon juice. Allow to cool
7 Use food processor/blender/mixer to turn the fruit mixture into a
paste.
8. Place in glass jars or plastic containers and place in
refrigerator or freezer. (It will keep for many months in the
refrigerator. It will not freeze, but will keep forever in the
freezer.)

DOSAGE: 1-2 TBSP per day.

Suggestions for use: Can be spread on toast, English muffin, bagel,
muffin or rice cake. Best to use whole grain products for the fiber
they provide. Good for breakfast, lunch or snack. On an English
muffin or a bagel, for variety, first spread a thin layer of cream
cheese and top with fruit paste. Also good mixed with strawberry or
raspberry jam for a change of flavor.


Another recipe: mix 1 Cup unprocessed bran, 1 cup applesauce
3/4 cup prune juice Mix to form paste and store in refrigerator.
Take 1 tbsp. daily and drink with a full glass of water or more.


Here's to regularity

[PinkGirl]

Hi pattyz,
Thanks very much for those recipes - I will definitely
try them.

I forgot about the price difference between the Senekot S
and the generic brands. I also used the WalMart brand and
it has the identicial ingredients for a much lower price.

For me, the stool softener part of the equation was the
key.

Bill should have borrowed Andi's expression and entitled
this thread "Bathroom Drama"!!!

[caya]

I have been suffering from this problem the past couple of weeks myself and have been eating 6 -8 pitted prunes daily, taking a no-name stool softener 2/day, and drinking alot of water. I have started to put 2 tsps of apple cider vinegar into a 500 ml. water bottle as well, as the vinegar is reputed to be a great natural healer for various ailments. I also try to eat a cup of bran cereal every day as well (you can cut up some of the prunes and put them in the cereal).
Make a cold bean salad of chick peas, red kidney beans, white kidney beans, black beans, (and any other variety you like) - mix with a dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, chopped garlic and stevia (all natural sweetener). You can also chop in some fresh herbs like chives, oregano, sage and basil. I mix up a huge batch of this and my entire family loves it. A great non-meat source of protein, and also helps in the bowel department.

Hope that helps.

all the best
caya

[Barbara H.]

I think there is something called Colace that I took when I was on Navelbine.
Barbara H.

[Bill]

Thanks so much, you guys! You are all so wonderful. That's alot of great info. Ill pass it on. Love ya, Bill

[Missyw]

Hi Bill,

I'm sorry to be able to add to this discussion, but unfortunately, I also have extensive experience in this department. besides, we're all family right? Anyway, I also have found the Activia helpful. I add a tablespoon of ground flax seed. However, while your friend is in Chemo, it is best to check with the onc. about the flax seed. Another "natural" rememdy that seems to help me is "Naked Juice - Green Machine". Odwalla also makes a green drink formula too, also helpful. Both of these drinks are smoothie type formulas and are chock full of healthy stuff. In my area they are sold at Whole Foods and Safeway. Even if they don't solve the problem completely they are good for some extra veggies, fruits and vitamins. I hope this helps.

[janieR]

Hi, i live in england and suffered for my first twochemos 2 years ago and i found MOVICOL , I unfortunately do not know what it is called in the USA or elsewhere. It solved it big time!

I hope that helps.

Janie

[Mgarr]

Bill,

Two things worked well for me. First, watermelon its a natural diuretic or Smooth Move tea. Only need one cup at bedtime works like a charm. Can be found at any healthfood store.

Mary

[Bill]

Thanks again to everyone!

[carstell]

Miralax has been a godsend for me. I had some issues before chemo but I swear by Miralax!!!
Cheryl