Dear anyone,
My husband was diagnosed with bladder cancer about two years ago. He underwent BCG treatments, which didn't work, and this past September had to have his bladder removed. The stoma healed up fine, and he is trying to adjust to life with a pouch. However, one issue that has persisted since the surgery is his inability to have a normal bowel movement. We have tried prune juice, aloe vera juice, stool softeners, Miralax, and nothing has worked. I was having to give him an enema about once a week. About two weeks ago, he was doubled over in pain, and I had to rush him to the ER. The X-ray showed that his colon was completely packed with stool. He was given Lactulose to use for 2 days, then Amitiza to take after that. But even those did not work. So, a few days ago, he had to take the stuff for colonoscopy prep. Finally, that gave him some relief. That was just a few days ago. He is beginning to have stomach cramps again, and we are not sure if he is getting stopped up again or what. Have any of you had difficulties with ongoing constipation? Have you found something that works for you? Thanks for any help you can give us.
My husband was diagnosed with bladder cancer about two years ago. He underwent BCG treatments, which didn't work, and this past September had to have his bladder removed. The stoma healed up fine, and he is trying to adjust to life with a pouch. However, one issue that has persisted since the surgery is his inability to have a normal bowel movement. We have tried prune juice, aloe vera juice, stool softeners, Miralax, and nothing has worked. I was having to give him an enema about once a week. About two weeks ago, he was doubled over in pain, and I had to rush him to the ER. The X-ray showed that his colon was completely packed with stool. He was given Lactulose to use for 2 days, then Amitiza to take after that. But even those did not work. So, a few days ago, he had to take the stuff for colonoscopy prep. Finally, that gave him some relief. That was just a few days ago. He is beginning to have stomach cramps again, and we are not sure if he is getting stopped up again or what. Have any of you had difficulties with ongoing constipation? Have you found something that works for you? Thanks for any help you can give us.
