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Diarrhea

Perdie
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  • I am 82. I had bowel cancer just over a year ago and hopefully it was successfully removed. No further treatment was needed just follow ups for 5 years. I am constantly nervous about my bowel habits. They fluctuate so much. I get lots of diarrhea which makes me feel quite sick and with this I get a great deal of gas which is very embarrassing and extremely smelly.. I have little control over this. I am a pescatarian  and I eat a very healthy diet with plenty of veges. I walk about 2 miles a day with my dog and carry no extra weight. I am now told that I am pre diabetic which has added to knowing what to eat! I am certainly not overweight so it must be genetic. My BMI is in the low category. I get invited out a lot for lunches etc and this makes me so nervous as to what I should eat. I know rich food is a no no but most of the time I have no idea what will spark things off. Is taking Imodium daily a good idea? Any advise would be gratefully received. Many Thanks.

  • Hello and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry that you are having problems with your bowel since your treatment for bowel cancer. Have you discussed this with anyone in your hospital team or your GP?

    For some people who have treatments, they are left with long-term effects on their bowel, which may mean a permanent change in lifestyle and diet.

    It can be that those who have had previous treatments need a lower fibre diet (also known as low residue). This is because the bowel is more sensitive to the fibre and responds by making bowel movements more urgent and in a looser form. This PDF is an example of an NHS trust Low residue diet, your own NHS trust may have its own.

    Do talk to your doctor to see if this may be relevant to you.

    We do have tips for coping with diarrhoea on our website, which may be helpful for you to read, and the bladder and bowel organisation have information too.

    Take care, and I hope this has been useful. If you would like to speak to the nurses on the helpline the number to call is freephone 0808 800 4040, lines are open mon-fri, 9-5. 

    Sarah.

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