[RadiantTiger]

Re: Managing bowel function (constipation)

by RadiantTiger on Tue Mar 03, 2015 11:33 am

I'm thinking of skipping the ondansetron (Zofran) with my Velcade shot, and drinking ginger tea instead (fresh ginger root simmered for 1 hour). Constipation is a well-known side effect of ondansetron. Nausea has so far not been much of a problem for me.

Last 2 days I have been experimenting with magnesium supplements and Senokot. Plus Miralax once a day. Plus 4 tablespoons ground flax in my smoothy. Plus probiotics. Will probably go up to 4 Senokot per day. Peristalsis is still not adequate, but getting partial movement now.

Can anyone recommend a doctor-recommended brand / dosage of magnesium supplements? There are many different forms of magnesium, and I'm not sure which one is best.

RT

[Bar-none]

Re: Managing bowel function (constipation)

by Bar-none on Tue Mar 03, 2015 6:52 pm

RadiantTiger,

I take a tablespoon of organic flax oil every morning with my Miralax stirred into organic cranberry juice, and it has revolutionized my bowel routine. Also, increased intake of fresh organic veggies (particularly fennel) helped.

Finding your natural rhythm is a worthy goal. Beware that long-term use of stimulant laxatives can disrupt it and cause dependency. When I was doing stimulants, I seemed to always be see sawing between eruption and blockage.

All the best! BN

[JimsKayak]

Re: Managing bowel function (constipation)

by JimsKayak on Tue Mar 03, 2015 9:04 pm

I just finished 7 21-day cycles of RVD. I experienced constipation during the first four cycles. I resorted to Fleet enemas a couple of times, and tried castor oil once.

Are you on 21-day cycles with a rest period at the end? I found some relief during the rest period. The constipation resolved itself after the fourth cycle.

[mikeb]

Re: Managing bowel function (constipation)

by mikeb on Wed Mar 04, 2015 11:56 am

Hi Radiant Tiger,

Regarding magnesium - My myeloma specialist recommended 500 mg magnesium oxide supplement to boost my magnesium level. I've been having a different problem than you that we're trying to treat, muscle cramps in my hands and sometimes in my legs. The magnesium oxide seems to have helped me.

Though my problem is different than yours, I still hope this info is helpful to you.

Mike

[RadiantTiger]

Re: Managing bowel function (constipation)

by RadiantTiger on Wed Mar 04, 2015 3:36 pm

Bar-none - Interesting morning drink of flax oil, cranberry and Miralax. I’ll try it! Why cranberry, and not some other juice? I don’t want to be dependent on stimulant laxatives, but right now I have no choice. Hopefully I will find the right foods that can wean me off the stimulants.

JimsKayak - Yes, I’m on the 21-day cycle, and am looking forward to my first week off. Glad to hear things got better after 4 cycles.

Mikeb - Thanks. I'm going to try some magnesium.

RT

[Anonymous]

Re: Managing bowel function (constipation)

by Anonymous on Wed Mar 04, 2015 9:06 pm

I found taking a probiotic has been significantly helpful. I look for the drugstore's version of Align.

[James S]

Re: Managing bowel function (constipation)

by James S on Wed Mar 04, 2015 9:17 pm

I have been very fortunate in bowl movement regards. I try to eat a few servings of fruit each day but no one has mentioned exercise. My doctor says the 3 1/2 to 4 miles a day I walk makes a difference. I have been on RVD for 3 years but the VD was dropped last month

[Bar-none]

Re: Managing bowel function (constipation)

by Bar-none on Thu Mar 05, 2015 10:54 am

RT, I take the 100% cranberry, cold pressed, organic juice as a preventative for UTI's. It seems to work great so I just kill 2 birds with1 stone. Best of health!

BN

[concetta mancuso]

Re: Managing bowel function (constipation)

by concetta mancuso on Thu Mar 05, 2015 11:12 am

I had a struggle with constipation on all chemo variations. A nurse told me to try Miralax with warm prune juice. She said it works the best. And it does. I also use regularly as my doctor prescribed 2 Senokot S in the morning and 1 in the evening. Also use Miralax when I feel it is needed.

My biggest issue now is gas. I am having a horrible time with it. Any suggestions?

[DonB]

Re: Managing bowel function (constipation)

by DonB on Thu Mar 05, 2015 3:34 pm

My biggest issue is gas that started about three months ago. I have been on Kyprolis (car­filz­o­mib) / Cytoxan / dexamethasone (KCM) for nine months. It has been wonderful, in that my myeloma markers have decreased remarkably.

I have had what I call semi-constipation (movement not stopped, but hard), since I started taking gabapentin (Neurontin) about two years ago for the neuropathy in my feet and hands. Stool softeners, senna, fruits and vegetables, no caffeine – they all help, but the semi-constipation just will not go away. Looking for help!

For the gas, which is embarrassing, I have tried fennel seeds, fennel tea, charcoal, a generic Gas-X, and Prilosec. The problem is still there. Looking for suggestions!

Don the drummer