Has anyone used Preparation H (or other generic brand) for a REALLY sore bottom? :eek:

Instead of having diarrhea from the chemo, I'm constipated. I've been taking Colace to soften the BM but they're still coming out hard. I figured I had to do something for the pain and though Prep H would help.

Thoughts?
Carol B

Mom,

Sorry to hear about your problem. I have a bag today as a result of rectal cancer. But maybe this might help

During radiation/chemo, my bottom was SORE and ITCHY (those darn hemorrids). My only relief came from doing oatmeal baths (I used AVEENO). I would do them 6-8 times a day at it's worst. Maybe it might help.

Before your next treatment, load up on liquids a day or two before hand.

Good luck,

Lee

If I remember correctly, they told me that the anti-nausea drug they gave with the chemo caused constipation. Your onc should have some suggestions about what to take. You have to be careful, it is easy to go from constipation to diarreha.

Tylenol(acetominophen) causes constipation. T3's are just very strong Tylenol so if you are taking them for pain you will experience constipation.:blob_fire

Back when I had hemmeroidal tissue(all taken out along with anus and rectum) I found the best bet was to buy both the suppositories and the gel. A dab of gel on the round end of the suppository made insertion much easier and getting the meds up there was of great benefit.

Before your next treatment, load up on liquids a day or two before hand.


Could also ask for an extra liter of saline during the chemo. Tell them you are dehydrated.

Carol:
Hi again. I'm sorry you are having problems with constipation. You ARE on the right track with the stool softener, but you ALSO need to add Dulcolax, which is a mild laxative. The best thing that I have found over-the counter is to use (Colace) Docusate together with Bisacodyl. Remember, EVERYONE is unique with chemo. But drinking PLENTY of water together with a stool softener and MILD laxative works well for starters.

JD mentioned Tylenol #3-- which I don't know if you are taking since I am trying to catch up. IF you are, T3 DOES contain both Tylenol (acetaminophen) together with codeine (a narcotic). Narcotics are NOTORIOUS for causing constipation... even though it is a mild narcotic. You may also be dehydrated going through all this which does NOT help things.

So, try to drink more-- tea, water, juice, sports drinks, whatever you feel like to get fluids-- although water is best absorbed by the body. Use Docusate and Bisacodyl also and hopefully this gives you relief. If not, you MAY need to use a suppository or enema initially to get things moving again. But I would try a more mild remedy first.:)

Best of luck,
CancerDad :angel: