On 1/4/2008
copenhagen44 wrote:
I recently had a radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, and I am now cancer-free. But recovery has been slow, especially with regard to my small intestine (of which 24 inches were used to create my neo-bladder). After two months I am still having a lot of trouble with digestion and have an inordinate amount of gas and bloating which often results in several agonising trips to the toilet within a couple hours, including painful diarrhea.
My doctor has prescribed Questran (possibly called something different over there), but it's hard to find and I'm still waiting for the pharmacy to get a supply in.
Anybody have any answers? I try to keep a relatively acid-free diet (no citrus juices, coffee or artificial drinks) and eat healthy. Any additional info would be great.
I would also just like to add that, while I sympathize with those people whose pets have cancer, it's a shame that so much of this website's content is taken up by those people. You can always get another pet. Replacing a spouse or family member is impossible. I've had an extremely hard time finding information here about my problem and would appreciate some valid help for human beings.
This may be late info for you on the Questran, as your posting was on 1/4, but Questran is a stool bulkener that can be very helpful in aleviating diarrhea by firming up the stool. It generally comes in powder form that you mix with liquid. I am one of the people that is on this web site because of a pet with cancer, I am very sorry that you are having difficulty finding info on your disease, we post on this website regarding bladder cancer in our animals and apparently the sites link for whatever reason. Best of luck to you for a great recovery.