irritable bowel syndrome

[shelgor]

My mother has ovarian-omentum cancer.  She is having chemotherapy and has had one treatment so far.  She has either constipation or diarrhea.  She was told to take a laxative called Senacot if she hasn't had a bowel movement for 2 days.  But the laxative gives her stomach cramps.  Are there foods she should be avoiding?  What else can she do besides take the laxative?  Any diet recommendations

[crecco]

A diet high in fiber is good for constipation.  When I started on chemo, I was given a book entitled "You and Chemo" (or something very similar) You might ask your moms onc if they have a copy of that book for you. It explained how to handle the many side effects of chemo, including foods to eat and or avoid if you are having problems with diahrrea and constipation. The other ladies have given you lots to go on. And if diahhrea is the problem she should follow what is known as the BRAT diet. (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) I hope that your mom gets to feeling better soon.
           Love, Chris

[Helmar]

Hello... I find a handful of almonds each day keeps me going o.k.. I hope you Mum will soon feel better...hugs...Helen...

[survivor_susie]

Hi.  So sorry to hear about your mom.  I had *awful* irritable bowel syndrome throughout chemo.  Luckily (?), when I also had it during radiation, a nutritionist met with me.  She recommended a supplement called "Acidopholis."  It's the bacteria in the intestines which we all need to digest food, but chemo and radiation kill it.  I used it faithfully and saw a radical improvement in my IBS.  No more constipation/diarrhea.  Wish I'd been told about it during chemo! (I take one called Multidopholis Plus.)
Best of luck to your mom. : )
Kathy

[vegas2cr]

I have a severe constipation problem also.. it is better since my surgeries and chemo but not great... My salvation so to speak is eating 100% bran every single day..I don't care for the taste but doesn't matter it beats fleet enemas and laxatives... drinking plenty of fluid also helps which is hard for me as I am not a drinker of any type of liquid.  diluted ice tea was the best for me to get in liquid...

I hope your mom is better soon.. Ronni

[ireneo]

I agree, that when the tummy feels bad all you want are the comfort foods like crackers and mashed potatoes and rice. What about whole grain foods like Shredded Wheat?

I enjoy Plum Smart, a tangy plum juice but I don't think a person on chemo would handle it as well. It sure does the job, better than plain old prunes. Tastes better too. My Mom has diverticulosis and a few years ago started drinking a little Plum Smart diluted with water. She loves it and her last couple of colonoscopies have been clear. Not to say it cures things but it sure eased her bowel problems. I'm rambling. Sorry.

[freshair]

Brown rice, spinach, stew prunes and drink the juice, dried apricots, bananas (even though they say eat them for constipation they help). All fruits--apple.

I have this problem and when going though chemo you want bread, crackers, white rice and everything that makes your stomach feel good but they are constipating.

And drink lots of water. Smooth Move Tea is good.
Hope this helps.