Constipation on hormone therapy

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Bubblybubbles_1
Bubblybubbles_1 Member Posts: 38
edited June 2019 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

Sorry. This post will be tmi a bit.

I am currently on herceptin + goserelin injections + tamoxifen

right after my chemo ended in October 2018, I had constipation issues. My doctor told me that it will get better with time and I should take stool softener regularly to get back to my regular appetite. In January this year, I noticed bleeding from rectal and mentioned that no laxatives are working (bowel movements are soft but hurts everytime I go). My family doctor checked and I had developed fishers which really hurts. She mentioned to keep applying polysporin but it takes long time to heal. It seriously hurts when I go toilet. I have tried literally everything over the counter. Restarolax, fibar supplements , sits bath,you name it and I had it. I am at a point right now where if I fart, it hurts.

The reason for the post is if anyone had any experience like this. Did it get better ? What helped you ?

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  • Beaverntx
    Beaverntx Member Posts: 3,183
    edited June 2019

    I had a rectal fissure several years ago due to reaction to a new medication. My PCP prescribed nitroglycerin ointment. It worked to heal the fissure.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited June 2019

    Bubblybubbles,

    We're so very sorry to hear you're experiencing this terrible side effect of treatment. We hope others will be by to share their experiences and advice soon. In the meantime, you may find it helpful to read the main Breastcancer.org site's page on Constipation, and listen to this podcast on Managing Constipation as well for some practical tips.

    We hope this helps and that you feel better soon!

    --The Mods

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  • Bubblybubbles_1
    Bubblybubbles_1 Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2019

    thanks @beaver

    I feel so embarrassed to even raise this to my doctor. It’s very hard for me to even write here about this but it’s not bearable right now. I will see if my family doc can prescribe me similar oin

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  • Professor50
    Professor50 Member Posts: 220
    edited June 2019

    When i started on tamoxifen I had this problem. Folks here recommended something that worked--it's called CALM and you take it regularly (it's a powder you put in water) and it definitely helps. You can find it at any grocery store/pharmacy. Good luck!

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  • Bubblybubbles_1
    Bubblybubbles_1 Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2019

    @professor50: thank you. I will look it up now

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  • Beaverntx
    Beaverntx Member Posts: 3,183
    edited June 2019

    Bubbly, a a retired health care provider, please let me assure you that, while you are uncomfortable discussing the topic, your physician will not be and it is highly unlikely that you will be the first one with such a concern. Please get help.

    I am on Tamoxifen and drink about 2 liters of water a day, have at least 5 to 7 servings of fruits and veggies a day, including two servings of dried fruit, and exercise daily to keep constipation under control. Works well most of the time, sometimes a bit too well and other times not quite well enough. It is a continuing challenge!

    Hope you are feeling better soon.

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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited June 2019

    I had a fissure many many years ago, like maybe 18 years. I was given a suppository that helped. I think it was a steroid but I am not sure.

    Maybe see if you can get into a colorectal specialist. They are best suited to help with that.

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