I've never had Metamucil swell up In my esophagus, but if you watch it for a couple of minutes after you mmix it, it gets thicker. My Dr. said to take it with 8 oz. water like the container says. I follow it up with a glass of water. I also mix the Cholestyramine (not coleestipol, sorry) and another...

Newbie, you're not alone. I have a similar problem. I had surgery in January to remove the 10 inches of my small intestine that was damaged by radiation in 2006 (I had stage 3 rectal cancer) and causing me multiple small bowel obstructions. Suddenly I began to have no control over my bowel movements...

I've had grade 2 neuropoathy ever since my takedown. It has inproved over the years, because it was much worse in the beginning. I take Lyrica, but don't think it helps. It's worse at night in bed when my feet feel very hot or when I put my feet up. Sometimes a cold water bottle helps, or stretching...

I would just wait it out. If you don't feel constipated, you're not constipated just because you haven't had a bowel movement.

Don't know if this will work for you, but I'd been troubled by constipation, hard stools, followed by near diarrhea after surviving the initial stuff that goes on after take-down surgery. Various docs told me to take fiber, stool softeners, Mirilax, etc., which all gave me diarrhea. The best advice ...

Definitely tell your oncologist about the tingling. Neuropathy is often common if one of the platin (oxaliplatin) drugs is used. My neuropathy showed up almost 2 months after the take-down or ilieostomy. It continues to this day, 2 1/2 years later, but has definitely subsided with time, and I am get...

You should start with whoever diagnosed you, probably your gastroenterologist. When I was diagnosed that's what happened, and I was referred to to best onc and colorectal surgeon in the Chicago area. Also, ask your internist, and do some checking on line. Be sure your onc is in your health plan too....

I think you just have to be kind to yourself. I had my ileo reversed in June of '07 and I was exhausted and depressed. It took me until summer of "08 to begin to feel better, get back to tennis and exercising. I'm a lot older than you, and had many compication with the radiation and surgeries, ...

Yes, your subject line got a chuckle from me. You've been through a lot and still have a sense of humor. Best of luck to you!!

I'll be happy to participate. Dottie S

Dear Linda, I can definitely identify with you. I wound up in the hosp. for a month with severe diarrhea, pneumonia, etc. due to the radiation. I was in such agony I wanted to die. Had to go to rehab for a week because I couldn't walk. My surgery was in 11/06; Ileostomy and 4 months of chemo; Revers...

I thank both of you. I finally (!!!) reached my onc. who said that the CEA could fluctuate, and not to worry---I'm going on a 2-week vacation and I won't worry :D . When I return, I will have CEA rechecked along with my port flush. I'm having a flex sig on 9/11, and my regular CT scan on 10/14, but ...

My last blood test July 17 showed a CEA of 3.0. When I looked at my history recently, it was 1.5-1.8 from april 08 through April of 09. My onc when I left the appointment said everything was just fine. However, she is having me schedule a flex sig in Sept. and my usual CT scan in October. I've been ...

I have a prescription for tylenol 3, but haven't taken it much. I have enough bowel problems as it is and don't want to add that to the mix. My feet really burn at night in bed, so I use a cold water bottle, until my Cymbalta and sleeping meds kick in.

Mine is somewhere between the A and B spots. It doesn't bother me at all. Between the "girls" seems a strange spot.