Mini bm's

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goofytc
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Mini bm's

Postby goofytc » Sun May 01, 2011 8:34 pm

I had my LAR March 23, and since then I am having "mini" bowel movements. I feel the urgency to have a bm and I rush to the restroom, and an almond size of stool comes out! Aaarrrggg! I'm taking miralax (prescribed) and probiotics. I talked to my surgeon about it and he said it was normal. Has anyone else experienced this? If so did you find a solution? I literally know how many tiles are on my restroom floor, I have spent so much time in there lately. :) any info is welcomed! Thanks!!!
rectal cancer
dx 1-11-11
6 weeks of chemo 24-7 (i had a groshong catheter)
6 weeks of radiation (m-f)
rectal resection
complete hysterectomy
NED - 3-25-11

shmurciakova
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Joined: Wed Nov 08, 2006 6:25 pm
Location: Sugar Grove, VA

Re: Mini bm's

Postby shmurciakova » Sun May 01, 2011 9:12 pm

I get that way too sometimes. I call them rabbit pellets! It sounds like you are plugged up to me. I know you are on Miralax, but what are you eating otherwise?
I find if I don't eat enough fruits and veggies I get like that. I think it is a lack of fiber problem...maybe? Also, you could try drinking a LOT of water. I think personally that Sennokot is a very good choice of laxatives...
-Susan H. :|
diagnosed at 31 in 2002, Stage IV
Sigmoid colectomy - 6 mos 5-FU/Leukovorin
liver resection - 6 rounds XELIRI (xeloda/irinotecan)
lung wedge resection Oct. 2004 - no chemo
NED!!

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goofytc
Posts: 23
Joined: Sun Apr 24, 2011 9:21 pm
Facebook Username: Tina Healer Chavez
Location: Texas

Re: Mini bm's

Postby goofytc » Sun May 01, 2011 9:41 pm

Thanks, the stool isn't hard, it is really soft. And I will have about 20 of that types of bm's. I like that you call them rabbit pellets! Lol :D and I will try drinking more water. I'm really trying to stay away from laxatives- but I may have to resort to that if something doesn't change. Thanks so much for the advice!!!
rectal cancer
dx 1-11-11
6 weeks of chemo 24-7 (i had a groshong catheter)
6 weeks of radiation (m-f)
rectal resection
complete hysterectomy
NED - 3-25-11

shmurciakova
Posts: 782
Joined: Wed Nov 08, 2006 6:25 pm
Location: Sugar Grove, VA

Re: Mini bm's

Postby shmurciakova » Sun May 01, 2011 9:57 pm

Well, you are really not that far out from surgery and your system is probably still in shock. Have you started chemo or anything? I know a lot of people get the runs, but I personally had the opposite problem. Good luck!
-Susan H.
diagnosed at 31 in 2002, Stage IV
Sigmoid colectomy - 6 mos 5-FU/Leukovorin
liver resection - 6 rounds XELIRI (xeloda/irinotecan)
lung wedge resection Oct. 2004 - no chemo
NED!!

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goofytc
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Re: Mini bm's

Postby goofytc » Sun May 01, 2011 10:03 pm

I had 6 weeks of chemoradiation therapy then surgery and now NED :) - other than check ups, I'm supposed to be done. And you are probably right, it has only been about 5 weeks since surgery. Thanks for the response!
rectal cancer
dx 1-11-11
6 weeks of chemo 24-7 (i had a groshong catheter)
6 weeks of radiation (m-f)
rectal resection
complete hysterectomy
NED - 3-25-11

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Phuong
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Facebook Username: Phuong Ly Gallagher

Re: Mini bm's

Postby Phuong » Sun May 01, 2011 10:09 pm

Lol, I called them bunny poops. :lol: There is a laxative tea that someone here suggested (Smooth Move), but be careful - it sure got me going!
Phuong
http://sonofamotherlessgoat.net/
dx'd Stage III Rectal (T3 N1 M0)
Now Stage IV mCRC

Surroundedbylove
Posts: 3126
Joined: Tue Dec 16, 2008 6:43 am
Location: Seattle

Re: Mini bm's

Postby Surroundedbylove » Sun May 01, 2011 10:09 pm

Yep - that is the "clustering" we mention.

Curious - do you have a j-pouch as well? Your surgical path seems a little different and I'm just trying to remember!

Here is a link to my post takedown (reversal of temporary ileostomy) thread with tons of food tips to help with the clustering. I think it would help you post LAR as well. The radiation damages the tissue so soluble fiber (as contrasted with insoluble fiber) is really needed to help stretch the radiated tissue and restore - the the extent possible - elasticity in the tissue.

SBL

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10327&hilit=takedown+info
Surroundedbylove

Rectal Cancer @ 43, '08
Clinical: T3,N2a,MX (IIIB)
6 wks XELOX & radiation
LAR, colonic j-pouch, & temp ileo '09
Surgical: ypT3,ypN0,ypMX (0 of 20 nodes)
FOLFOX; XELOX
Ileo Takedown ‘09
LARS for 10 years before learning it is finally being studied
InterStim Sacral Nerve Neuromodulator 2019

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goofytc
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Facebook Username: Tina Healer Chavez
Location: Texas

Re: Mini bm's

Postby goofytc » Sun May 01, 2011 10:15 pm

Phuong wrote:Lol, I called them bunny poops. :lol: There is a laxative tea that someone here suggested (Smooth Move), but be careful - it sure got me going!

Awesome! Thank you!!! I will make sure I am at home when I try it! :)
rectal cancer
dx 1-11-11
6 weeks of chemo 24-7 (i had a groshong catheter)
6 weeks of radiation (m-f)
rectal resection
complete hysterectomy
NED - 3-25-11

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goofytc
Posts: 23
Joined: Sun Apr 24, 2011 9:21 pm
Facebook Username: Tina Healer Chavez
Location: Texas

Re: Mini bm's

Postby goofytc » Sun May 01, 2011 10:19 pm

Surroundedbylove wrote:Yep - that is the "clustering" we mention.

Curious - do you have a j-pouch as well? Your surgical path seems a little different and I'm just trying to remember!

Here is a link to my post takedown (reversal of temporary ileostomy) thread with tons of food tips to help with the clustering. I think it would help you post LAR as well. The radiation damages the tissue so soluble fiber (as contrasted with insoluble fiber) is really needed to help stretch the radiated tissue and restore - the the extent possible - elasticity in the tissue.

SBL

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10327&hilit=takedown+info


I am weirdly thankful there is a name for it! And no, I don't have any kind of a pouch. I was fortunate that my surgery went well, and I haven't had any other issues really. Thanks for the link, and for the info! I sincerely appreciate it! I think I am just thankful to know this won't be my new normal :)
rectal cancer
dx 1-11-11
6 weeks of chemo 24-7 (i had a groshong catheter)
6 weeks of radiation (m-f)
rectal resection
complete hysterectomy
NED - 3-25-11

Surroundedbylove
Posts: 3126
Joined: Tue Dec 16, 2008 6:43 am
Location: Seattle

Re: Mini bm's

Postby Surroundedbylove » Sun May 01, 2011 10:30 pm

goofytc wrote:I am weirdly thankful there is a name for it! And no, I don't have any kind of a pouch. I was fortunate that my surgery went well, and I haven't had any other issues really. Thanks for the link, and for the info! I sincerely appreciate it! I think I am just thankful to know this won't be my new normal :)


So when they removed your rectal tumor you must have a "straight connect" then since you don't have a colonic j-pouch to create a neo-rectum? Straight connects still seem to have clustering but in addition to my thread, you may want to read the thread devoted to straight connections.

Although you didn't have a temporary ileostomy and therefore a takedown surgery, I think our experiences still may be helpful to you because you had rectal cancer and thus you must have less of a rectum left - and that's what seems to cause the clustering (less rectum equals smaller "holding tank" and the colon attached to is is designed to move things along rather than "hold" so you get the clustering.

SBL
Surroundedbylove

Rectal Cancer @ 43, '08
Clinical: T3,N2a,MX (IIIB)
6 wks XELOX & radiation
LAR, colonic j-pouch, & temp ileo '09
Surgical: ypT3,ypN0,ypMX (0 of 20 nodes)
FOLFOX; XELOX
Ileo Takedown ‘09
LARS for 10 years before learning it is finally being studied
InterStim Sacral Nerve Neuromodulator 2019

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goofytc
Posts: 23
Joined: Sun Apr 24, 2011 9:21 pm
Facebook Username: Tina Healer Chavez
Location: Texas

Re: Mini bm's

Postby goofytc » Sun May 01, 2011 10:39 pm

I do have a straight connect, my surgeon did tell me that. And thank you, now it makes sense why it is happening. So it sounds like a lot more water and fiber are in my future. Thank you for the info.
rectal cancer
dx 1-11-11
6 weeks of chemo 24-7 (i had a groshong catheter)
6 weeks of radiation (m-f)
rectal resection
complete hysterectomy
NED - 3-25-11

jjlist
Posts: 654
Joined: Fri Jan 21, 2011 11:56 pm

Re: Mini bm's

Postby jjlist » Sun May 01, 2011 11:30 pm

i have a straight connect. which was diverted to an illesotmy. that has since been reversed since my last suregery 1/11/11.
Clustering has been something i deal with very frequently. if its not that then its contsitpation. there is no quick or magic fix that anyone can tell you that will resolve it. unfortunatly it is something you will have to deal with. I dont have any kind of regulatiy anymore. I am still adjusting to find out what my new normal will be. one thing i am sure of , is that it will never be what it used to be. there is the life before and now the life after resection. your diet will surely be different and BM's will be differnt too. there are many things to try to find your way. SBL's post talks about many of the things that all of us have tried. I wish i could tell you someting to do to make it better but no one can. its a personal journey. I hope and pray for you that you find your way,,,,
jim
age 56
11/16/09 DIAG low rectal tumor ST II T3N0M0
12/21/09 chemopump radiation
3/18/10 suregry colo-anal anastomosis, no nodes,.
4/29/10 Abcess infection
6/3/10 started 12 folfox sessions completed 10.
1/11/11 ileostomy takedown

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Phuong
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Facebook Username: Phuong Ly Gallagher

Re: Mini bm's

Postby Phuong » Mon May 02, 2011 12:21 am

I think I am just thankful to know this won't be my new normal


I was a straight connect too. One more thought on this - my surgeon told me that I should expect it to be about 8 months before I get to my new "normal" and then that's "as good as it gets", but that wasn't really true in my case. The further out I got from surgery the better things got for me. Up until month 8 I felt like I still couldn't tell if I needed to "crap or gas" and was really starting to get down on it. If that was my new normal, it was going to take a lot more getting used to. Fortunately I continued to improve beyond it. I think it was really 1 1/2 years before I truly got to my new normal. I still have good days/bad days as everyone else here does with the bowels, but it is under much more normal and I can **usually** differentiate between the two. So stick with it, do what you can and I promise it WILL get better.
Phuong
http://sonofamotherlessgoat.net/
dx'd Stage III Rectal (T3 N1 M0)
Now Stage IV mCRC

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BrownBagger
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Location: Central NYS

Re: Mini bm's

Postby BrownBagger » Mon May 02, 2011 8:43 am

I didn't produce a respectable turd for about one year. The small ones are annoying. Then you get the skinnies.

It's normal; it gets better.
Eric, 58
Dx: 3/09, Stage 4 RC
Recurrences: (ongoing, lung, bronchial cavity, ribs)
Major Ops: 6/ RFA: 3 /bronchoscopies: 8
Pelvic radiation: 5 wks. Bronchial radiation—brachytheray: 3 treatments
Chemo Rounds (career):136
Current Chemo Cocktail: Xeloda & Erbitux & Irinotecan biweekly
Current Cocktail; On the Wagon (mostly)
Bicycle miles post-dx 10,477
Motto: Live your life like it's going to be a long one, because it just might, and then you'll be glad you did.

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jmarie
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Re: Mini bm's

Postby jmarie » Mon May 02, 2011 9:32 am

I never had a resection but have this problem too, I didn't know it was called clustering. I just referred to it as rectal spasms because I didn't know how else to describe it. For the most part my BMs are soft so I was sure I wasn't constipated. I just assumed it was because my colon wasn't working properly, whether that was due to tx or a tumor. A lortab10 has been the only thing to help me in this situation, but I usually hold off until I am sure I am not constipated. It is so frustrating to barely make it to the bathroom just for a tiny little bm.
DX Stage IV 11/25/08
mets liver lung, kras mutant
Baby 2yrs old! I am 32yrs
Too many chemo txs to count
trying to find a clinical trial
"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf"


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