Discomfort when sitting

My father has had his third round of FOLFOX 6 plus Avastin, which has caused excruciating rectal/anus pain. A surgeon and GI said the surrounding skin is terribly raw from the evacuation of the chemo drugs and it has also caused a hemorrhoid flare-up. The GI and oncologist have prescribed and recommended 2 percent Lidocaine, Oxycodone, sitz baths, Preparation H, Metamucil or milk of magnesium depending on the stools, and Tucks, but these do little to alleviate the constant pain. Has anyone else encountered this side effect or have any solutions? Thanks very much.

Dear Lisa Ann, thankyou for your suggestions, we are going to our GP today who is really trying to help Colin with this horrible disease, so will ask to try those meds, thanks Fran

my husband is experiencing severe abdominal pain right and left side, finds some relief laying on his back. He cannot take morphine as the side affects are so bad. He is on slow release panadol but this isn’t touching it, any idea’s would be helpful, he is on no chemo or other treatment for CC, thanks Fran Australia

Jules, I understand about the gnawing pains. I had a complete bone scan about 5 weeks ago due to the fact I thought something was going on in my stomach and ribs. Sure enough mets to right side ribs. Am pressing on with same chemo treatment. But the constant gnawing pain was getting to be to much, so increased pain meds and like you said that increases constipation. Putting modesty aside usually everything get backed up start in the lower bowel/ rectum and of course continues to work it’s way upward until your all blocked up. So being a home care provider for a quad/cerebral palsy person, I remembered what I use to do for him. He had to take daily muscle relaxers because of his condition I had to monitor his bowel movement daily. If after day four no movement I would give him a liquid glycerin suppository and within 10 minutes walla! instant relief. Well pain meds do the same thing as muscle relaxers by slowing or I say put your bowel more so the rectum muscles to sleep. To put and end to a long story; I was at day four and I had been eating like a pig for days. Was having adominal pressure and pain. Took a little trip to Wally Mart and got some “Fleet” Liquid Glycerin Suppositories. Come in a little green box of 4 each. They are designed for rectal application. Once inserted squeeze little plastic bulb. Pre-measured liquid go up and Walla! within 6 minutes magic was happening. How do I spell relief “Fleet”. No cramping ,pain, nor continuos running all clear in one go. I slept quite well that night unbloated and still took pain meds. Iv’e witnessed an individual with impacted bowel and it was not very pleasant. Pain, fever over 106 degrees from infection cause by backed up bile. Anyhow, I would highly recommend Fleet or similar brand . Not expensive less than $ 5.00 for box of 4. Disclaimer… I am not a doctor you should consult with your doctor before using or at least read the instruction on the box. Bottom line is constipation and backed up bowel can be relieved within minutes. Sorry for rambling again.
Bless You All!
Jeff G.

Carrie

The pain you describe when sitting is something that my Dad has been complaining of for a while now (we have put it down to the abdominal hernia that he has following surgery). He says that the pain is in his abdominal area and is a ‘gnawing’ pain. Understandably my Dad is concerned that this is could be related to the cancer. although I have noticed that he gets instant relief when he opens his bowels and I have encouraged him to take regular movicol. My Dad is going to speak to his oncologist about this next week and I hope we can get some answers as it is unbearable to see him in pain. If anybody else has anything to add on this topic I would appreciate any advice..

– Jules

Thank you Patricia. Your posts are very helpful for me.

Does your husband experience discomfort in the liver or whole front intestinal area when he sits? That’s what bothers my mother. So she lays down most of the time now. I haven’t heard anyone else talk about this so I thought I’d ask you or anyone else who happens upon this.