Chemo-Constipation then diarrhea

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Teree
Teree Member Posts: 3
edited October 2016 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

I started my first treatment of chemo Wednesday 9/14/16... I experienced constipation and now 10 days later experience diarrhea. Anyone else experience this? Or am i doing something (possibly diet) causing this diarrhea. I just started imodium pill form, hoping this helps.

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  • Sjacobs146
    Sjacobs146 Member Posts: 770
    edited September 2016

    I had terrible diarrhea throughout chemo. Immodium helps. I tried to eat very lightly around the time I had chemo, and that helped too. Frankly almost two years PFC and my bowels are still not the same as they were before

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited September 2016

    I have had diarrhea since last October, when i started chemo. It got worse and worse, until I saw a GI doctor. She thinks I have a type of colitis. She put me on a medication that has helped immensely. Now my bowels are pretty well under control, as long as I take my med and limit raw vegs & fruits.

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  • Teree
    Teree Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2016

    thanks for your response... just wasn't sure if this is common...going from constipation to diarrhea within the same 1st treatment????. I did take imodium last night and seemed to control it over night and still doing okay today with no diarrhea.... but now i'm noticing a rash on my face....not sure if this is connected also. I've been drinking extra water since last night hoping to prevent dehydration....wondering if the rash is all associated with whats going on.

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  • KayaRose
    KayaRose Member Posts: 183
    edited September 2016

    just wanted to say that I had the same problem all through my chemo treatments. Back and forth, either one or the other. It was one of the hardest things to deal with during chemo. Thankfully, Once chemo was over, everything went back to normal. Talk to your MO to see if there are any meds that might help

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited September 2016

    If the constipation remains a problem, try taking Miralax for a day or two.  It's a great constipation treatment and it's over-the-counter.  It won't interfere with your other meds and it doesn't cause cramping or explosive BMs. Rather, it just helps you produce a normal, soft BM.  It's the kind of drug you can pick up and put down--use it when you need it, stop using when things get back to normal, no dependency.  It is mild enough that small children as young as 2 can take it.

    I'm a nurse who works with people who have severe disabilities. Constipation is a constant lurker in this population. Probably half of my client caseload is taking Miralax, in addition to dietary modifications.  Trust me, Miralax is a great drug and safe to take every day, if necessary.

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  • Teree
    Teree Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2016

    thanks everyone.....

    Every day lately seems like a new adventure.... Yesterday i noticed my face blotchy, and this morning my back looks and feels like its breaking out (pimples)......what's going on?

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  • Dennyj
    Dennyj Member Posts: 106
    edited September 2016

    I started chemo last Tuesday. Suffered from constipation on Thursday, terrible heart burn on Friday, and awful diarrhea throughout the weekend. Imodium AD gave some relief but ended up getting fluids today. My stomach is a mess. I am also breaking out worse than a teenager (the nurse said it was the steroids). Hoping tomorrow is a better day!!!

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  • Leydi
    Leydi Member Posts: 146
    edited September 2016

    You are not alone. I'm taking a daily probiotic on advice of my MO. I also start a stool softener on day of chemo and add Mira-lax as needed until constipation has resolved. Haven't needed to treat the diarrhea yet as it doesn't stick around as long but Imodium seem to be the recommended OTC product for that. Wet hygienic wipes are preferred over toilet paper for comfort.

    Best wishes!

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  • Miskatonic
    Miskatonic Member Posts: 9
    edited October 2016

    terre, I also got blotchy and pimply- looking rash, I finished chemo four weeks ago and it is fading to no bumbs, still red but much fainter


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