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What Causes Digestive Issues In A Breast Cancer Survivor?
Question: Okay, really embarrassed, but I had to do something. I am a current survivor of breast cancer and have had bowel problems since my 30s. Went to a doc, enema and xrays...nothing. He just told me I had to find something to do to make my life fuller, without all the anxiety. It's not horrible, but can catch me at enytime. If I go anywhere for the day I take immodiom (or the generic), just for insurance that I won't be left with a mess. I have severe nerve damage in my spine and leg, even after surgery. I don't want to live like this anymore. I feel confined to a bathroom. Or fear of not one.
Brief Answer:
Expert advise & self help would definitely help.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Thanks for the query under Health care magic. I have read your query & agree with your feelings.But I feel you should not loose your courage at age of just 59... there are answers for every health problem in this era of modern science.
I have read your query carefully & would suggest for following things to be considered for solution of your problem.
1. You have not mentioned about routine examination for stools been done. Infections of gastrointestinal tract ( bacterial, amoebic, worms ) can lead to loose motions. Just barium enema / X ray will not find infections. Please see your doctor for the routine & specialized check ups of stools to detect & treat / exclude any such infection... which would solve your problem.
2. You have spinal cord injury in lumber or lower spine,( as legs are involved ) in spite of spinal surgery. Neurogenic bowels with lack of sphincter control is possible with spinal injury.
In case there is no infection found -- this can be a possibility. Please consult a spinal surgeon to conform the possibility .Surgery remains excluded as it was not helpful in past.
-Nervous diarrhea is a well known thing. To be engaged in activities of choice is one of the ways to control nervous feelings.
* It can be managed by self help-
- Bowel training. Try to cultivate a regular bowel evacuation at your convenient 7 fixed time daily. with help of glycerin suppository & digital massage to start with.. spare 60 minutes time for successful evacuation to start with this will turn in regular , timely bowel movement over a time & would help you for more confident outings.
Medications like Immodium ( anti diarrheal ) do help , but should not be used over a long span...
Knowing the cause of the problem in detail after discussion with the treating doctor/ counselor & learning to combat it yourself , would help you a lot.
-Avoid fatty food/ dairy products/ artificial sweeteners/ mishandled food/ foods producing more gas- starches, sprouts, cucumber, cabbage,beans)/alcohol & caffeine drinks..
Eat thicker & bland food like banana,oatmeal, plain rice, buttermilk.
Thus with expert guidance & self hep you would definitely make it. .. be positive.
I hope, the answer was both informative & useful to you. Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
Expert advise & self help would definitely help.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Thanks for the query under Health care magic. I have read your query & agree with your feelings.But I feel you should not loose your courage at age of just 59... there are answers for every health problem in this era of modern science.
I have read your query carefully & would suggest for following things to be considered for solution of your problem.
1. You have not mentioned about routine examination for stools been done. Infections of gastrointestinal tract ( bacterial, amoebic, worms ) can lead to loose motions. Just barium enema / X ray will not find infections. Please see your doctor for the routine & specialized check ups of stools to detect & treat / exclude any such infection... which would solve your problem.
2. You have spinal cord injury in lumber or lower spine,( as legs are involved ) in spite of spinal surgery. Neurogenic bowels with lack of sphincter control is possible with spinal injury.
In case there is no infection found -- this can be a possibility. Please consult a spinal surgeon to conform the possibility .Surgery remains excluded as it was not helpful in past.
-Nervous diarrhea is a well known thing. To be engaged in activities of choice is one of the ways to control nervous feelings.
* It can be managed by self help-
- Bowel training. Try to cultivate a regular bowel evacuation at your convenient 7 fixed time daily. with help of glycerin suppository & digital massage to start with.. spare 60 minutes time for successful evacuation to start with this will turn in regular , timely bowel movement over a time & would help you for more confident outings.
Medications like Immodium ( anti diarrheal ) do help , but should not be used over a long span...
Knowing the cause of the problem in detail after discussion with the treating doctor/ counselor & learning to combat it yourself , would help you a lot.
-Avoid fatty food/ dairy products/ artificial sweeteners/ mishandled food/ foods producing more gas- starches, sprouts, cucumber, cabbage,beans)/alcohol & caffeine drinks..
Eat thicker & bland food like banana,oatmeal, plain rice, buttermilk.
Thus with expert guidance & self hep you would definitely make it. .. be positive.
I hope, the answer was both informative & useful to you. Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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