Pain Management (intermittent)

Hi there, my Grandad was recently diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer and started chemotherapy 2 weeks ago.  He has intermittent pain like a gurgling/trapped wind throughout the day.  He has been following dietary advice extremely well. I’m wondering if this type of pain is something that could be managed (as it’s intermittent) and if you might have advice on what questions we should ask our cancer care nurses?  Thank you for any advice that you might have.

  • Hello and thank you for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about your grandad's situation.

    It is good to know that he is eating well, so I wonder if he is also able to move around as this may help with any trapped wind he has. I also wonder if he can open his bowel, if he is constipated this could cause some pain.  Drinking plenty of fluid and moving around might help that. 

    You might also need some advice about what medicine would help with this if he is constipated. So please do mention his symptoms to his specialist nurse or chemotherapy team.

    You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline