Is this constipation?

[Rasputin]

I read about infusion amounts - I seem to have no choice. I start with 2 liters of warm water, and infuse 'til no more will go in. Most times it's initially a few hundred ml. then I wait a very short time for a return. A little less than half the time I get a good 1 - 1.5 liter infusion, the rest of the time a bunch of little ones. I always finish the 2 liters. Solids in the output are usually very solid, except after a really large (deep?) infusion. Very rare to have output between irrigations.

I'm 5 into 8 XELOX treatments.

Should I resume Miralax?

TIA,
Chuck

[ot dave]

That sounds like constipation. I have recently been dealing with some new changes in my hernia, which kind of put up a road block, creating constipation like issues. When this happens, my infusion amounts decrease dramatically. I don't know about resuming Miralax, I'm not a doctor, so I would discuss it with them. Just keep in mind that chemo plays havoc on your GI system. You might want to wait until the chemo is finished and you can start back into a normal routine to see how it goes from there. Hope that helped.

David

[Rasputin]

Thanks, I have trouble figuring out what is going on, if I have no output, fine, right? But it could sure go smoother, literally.

Started Miralax again today, it was scripted as needed. See the onc and get a different kind of infusion Friday. I'll see how things go...

[markstan]

In my experience with chemo (on-going) i tend to get diarrhea right after the infusion. Then the effects of the premeds take over and I start becoming constipated. Irrigating on a daily basis helps to mitigate the problem but if the output becomes hard pellets its time for Miralax. I have had a temporary blockage and ended up at the Urgent Care. Believe me you dont want it to go there so error on the side of Miralax.

Mark

[Rasputin]

Thanks, Mark.

Still blocked from a good irrigation. The Oxaliplatin will get me going. I'm a gonna' continue Miralax.

Onc says I'm doing good, blood work looks good. 6 down 2 to go!

[newsueinWI]

It is an awesome feeling to have more rounds behind you (no pun) than in front of you. THe last round was the worst for me but knew it was the last so tolerable.

Can't believe you are irrigating while on chemo. THey wouldn't allow me to. In hind sight, it was best.

I also had the day 3 diarrhea followed by paste. Hard to know what to expect. Prior to irrigation I did Miralax 1/day. Seemed to take 2 days to catch up to symptoms but as long as I took it regularly it was great.

I also assure I get plently of water intake. 2 liters or more. Good for the body and the bowels. Since irrigating I'm not as afraid of some healthy foods such as tomatoes, spinach and fruit. I see it come out the next morning so I figure I'm fine. This also can help keep thjings moving.

I have my first follow up colonoscopy Friday, getting pretty afraid. Don't want to prep but they doctor said I only had to do half and irrigate the morning of.

Clear liguids tomorrow, breakfast, lunch, and supper. Yum....

Happy Wednesday

Sue

[markstan]

Can't believe you are irrigating while on chemo. THey wouldn't allow me to. In hind sight, it was best.

Sue

I don't understand the mindset of the docs regarding irrigation while on chemo. To my knowledge it is not a fact based position but rather a speculative one. I have been irrigating for nearly 3 yrs on chemo. No major problems. Just have to adapt to the changing bowel response during the cycles.

Mark