Constipation

Hello I am new to the form. 
my 80 year old

mum has stage 4b ovarian cancer. She has had her first chemo on Thursday 20th. She has been constipated since. She has had the 2 tablets each evening and had 2 sachets of the gel stuff. When is it considered too long to be constipated.She said she'd forced a bit out but still constipated. When should we be contacting the hospital? What are the repercussions of not being regular in her position. Thank you xx

  • Hello,

    One of the many side effects of Chemotherapy is constipation which is unpleasant and a worry.

    Think after 3 days your mum should be taking a laxative such as Laxido or Movicol which my wife had been advised to take by the cancer helpline (a phone number that you will have been given) both of which are effective after a day or two of regular doses.

    You will be able to get these free on prescription from your hospital contact number or your GP, obviously the sooner the better for your mum.

    Do not hesitate to contact the cancer contact number you have if you have further concerns about side effects, they are there to help you and offer great advise.

  • Thank you. She is taking the laxative powder stuff with water and senetoc (unsure of spelling). 
    yes I should start making use of the help numbers we were given. Thanks for your time