Constipation and weird sensation/click

[OzBron]

I had a lapartomy (Stage 3C MPSC) back at end April and yesterday started the 3rd cycle of carbo/taxol combo chemo. Since the laparotomy I have not really had the same 'sense' when going to the bathroom and not been able to push properly/or at least not really felt it the same way I used to. I put it down to some nerve damage (still have numbness around lapartomy scar so assume there is some of this down deeper). Otherwise they did have to clear many nodules from around my bowel and my appendix was removed so perhaps this plays a part? Has anyone else had this?

One of the side-effects I have suffered from the chemo is quite severe constipation. For this cycle I am on Pinorax daily to prevent/treat so I am hoping it will be better.
A week or so ago, before I resorted to the laxatives during the last cycle, when I was trying to 'go' I heard/felt a clicking noise/sensation just below and to the right of my navel. It was kind of like clicking/popping your finger joints. This happened twice on 2 different days. I was straining so thought perhaps I had broken up a piece of scar tissue or adhesion, but happening twice has confused me. It wasn't painful, though I have got tenderness around that area from the last bout of constipation last cycle.
Any thoughts?

[Raynbow]

Just in case anyone wants to know.....Here are the different types of hernias:
                    http://hernia.tripod.com/types.html

[Raynbow]

Hi, I don't have any similar experiences (other than I have battled constipation in general...except now that I have this cyst) anyway....the "click" you mentioned is what got my attention... I know a few people that have had inguinal hernias and they felt a pop when straining to use the bathroom. Maybe you have a hernia? Best wishes and I hope things start to 'move along' for you soon!
((( Raynbow

[abrite1]

I am the person who originally posted about the fibercakes. They truly are very helpful.
Here are websites for store locations as well as online ordering! Good luck and God bless.

http://www.zenbakery.com/apcranfib.html
http://www.anaspastry.com/ana_order_info.htm

[Kimchi]

Glad you got a good laugh...my fingers are faster than my brain and I didn't even realize my spelling mistake (s).  Was thinking about you the other day as I was using my medicine ball on my foot...Know exactly what u mean about the skinny leg!!! I broke 3 bones in my leg and ankle about 7 years ago and since then, the ankle has not functioned very well...I discovered that using the ball to press and roll up and down helped with blood flow and numbing (?) and now do it everynight in bed. Glad to hear you are back on both feet!!!

[SimplyStar]

You gave me my laugh for the day  when you posted that you ate lots of friends, I know you meant fruits  but the friends made me giggle . Hope all is going well with you.  I am hanging in here and working on being positive. threw away my crutches today, the skinny leg is trying to catch up with the other one now.

[Donnie Girl's Mommy]

Hi.  Fleet Phospho-soda orale saline laxactive can be purchased over the counter at your local pharmacy.   Just put a teaspoon in 7-up and sip it slowly.   It should work within a couple of hours.  Good luck.  Dee

[Kimchi]

I did not have constipation problem while on carbo/taxol, actually had 2 bowel movements a day...I ate lots of friends and dark green veggies, dont know if that helped.  Here is something that someone posted not too long ago...Oz as in Australia? if you r in the USA, here it is:
"What finally worked for me were the Fiber Cakes made by Zen Bakery. They have 13 grams of fiber and are really quite tasty. I find that they last longer if I refrigerate or freeze them as they tend to develop mold. I prefer the Apple Cranberry over the Blueberry. Be sure to get the Fiber CAKE and not the muffin as they are not the same. I eat one each morning and if needed I will eat 1

[OzBron]

Thanks Dee for your comment.
I've not had much luck with the Pinorax, but am getting some bowel sounds this time so perhaps not as bad as last time round). On the other hand I have had to add opiate related pain meds this time due to severe joint pain which is just an additional factor.
Can you get the pre-op bowel prep from chemist/ pharmacy or would I need to get it from the hostpital? If I get no joy today (Friday with last movement Monday) I'll call the onc nurses.
To me it seems that peristalsis stops for a bit. I still have my appetite somewhat (though it is ebbing) but I am now nervous eating as I just don't want to add bulk and be more congested. Or is bulk from fibre drinks good to add pressure?

[Donnie Girl's Mommy]

I've just completed my first round of chemo and suffering from severe constipation.  My doctor advised me to mix some Fleet (pre-op medicine) with a can of 7-up and sip it slowly.   I mixed one teaspoon with 7-up and it worked ... almost too well.   Since then, I've eaten 6-10 stewed prunes per day and taken some stool softeners which has helped tremendously.    I also had a bowel reconstruction, and ovaries and omentum removed but haven't experienced any pain or clicking sensation.    Hugs, Dee