You see, there are many things about having cancer that
suck. The pain, the increasing number of tablets, the frequent hospital visits
etc etc. And yet, there is one thing that people don’t talk about – and that’s
the monstrous effect of chemo on your digestive system. Charming topic of
conversation, is it not?
The truth is, that the worst consequence about being on chemo
(in my opinion) is the vicious cycle of constipation – increase in laxatives - diarrhoea
– decrease in laxatives – constipation. It’s never ending, and it’s a pain in
the arse (pun intended).
Anyone who’s experienced either state will know what I’m
talking about when I say it’s one of the worst things EVER. It’s legitimately soul
crushing. No, this isn’t me being dramatic. Spending those long moments alone
in the bathroom, hoping no one important calls you so you don’t have to answer
them whilst sat on the toilet, straining to hear the video you’re watching
because you’ve put the audio so low in the hope that no one outside hears, etc
etc: these are all real world issues.
And now you all know the truth. So beware, the next time I
whatsapp you, I may well be in the middle of a very important battle, the
outcome of which will probably be reflected in the response I give.
Lessons of the day:
- The last six months have resulted in the accumulation of a
lot of material with regards to remedies for constipation, both natural and
medicinal (diarrhoea, on the other hand, stops when I stop taking the
laxatives). The main ones which I have found to work for me are listed below:
Natural:
1. Honey
2. Green Tea
3. Fibre (in the form of brown, seeded bread).
Medicinal:
1. Lactulose (which I am no longer on)
2. Bisacodyl
