I’ve felt quite ill over the last couple of days, to the point of going to bed. My torso hurts all over, especially my lower back and I was actually sick the night before last. The runny bottom came back in the morning too. I couldn’t eat anything all day. The Oncology nurse said there could be a flareup about 10 days after the Radio Therapy ended, so maybe this is it.
I’m dosed up with painkillers, shaved and hair combed right now and not feeling too bad. I’ve pulled a muscle in my stomach because of not being able to get up from the bed all that well, or maybe its the retching from being sick. This pain is giving a spot of bother, especially if I breathe too deeply.
It could be that you are not absorbing nutrients because the treatment has affected your gut and that lack of nutrition is affecting your muscles too making you more prone to injury. Supplements might help, but as you’re on medication you should seek medical advice before taking any.
I’ve just learned that the Oxydone liquid I’ve been prescribed for pain can be the cause of a bad stomach. A heat pad can help until I’m used to taking it. I’ll give that a try tonight. Maybe take a lower dose than the 3ml I am taking.
That’s what I always do Mart, whatever I’m prescribed I always take half and see if it still does the job, in most cases it does, so there are two tablets that I cut in half. I also have three rest days from taking Aspirin.
I’ve also read that Paracetamol taken long-term can cause a sore and nauseous stomach. It has been thought to be a safe pain killer.
I have been taking them regularly for some days now. Could be another reason why I haven’t been feeling so good lately. You can’t win eh! No good taking a regular pain killer if it causes pain other than the one it’s setting out to kill.
I’ve felt rotten for a couple of days. I don’t know if it is still side-effects but maybe the side-effects bring on a slippery slope of other troubles. Whatever, I haven’t wanted any food for days and mostly felt ill enough to be in bed. Any water I drank came back up a minute or so later. I know I’m dehydrated. My mouth and tongue felt like a bit of old leather to the point of not being able to form words. My Nephrostomy night bag had hardly anything in it.
This can’t go on, so I’m up this morning and experimenting with eating and drinking normally. Warm instead of cold drinks might be helping. Breakfast was a cup of tea and Weetabix in warm milk with honey. So far so good.
I hope you and Mrs M were warm enough the last few days. Being even a little cold can make you withdraw into hibernation mode when you’re not feeling well. Warm food is more comforting and gentle on your tummy.
There are certain heart meds you have to take daily.
Aspirin is taken not as a painkiller but as a blood thinner, and it must be taken everyday, if not, it will not keep your blood thin, leaving you more likely to have a clot and either an angina attack or a heart attack.
Not a good idea, even worse if you exercise as much as you do.
It can also cause a clot in a leg or a lung, never a good thing.
If you exercise outside in cold weather the effect can be even more likely to happen.
I know it is your life and your choice and I used to be the same as you about Meds, I didn’t like taking chemicals.
I have since learnt, painfully and with a permanent effect, that I should have listened and that the many I take each day are what is keeping me alive.
Thanks for your concern Swimmy, and very much appreciated.
However, I have spent the last 21 years since my first heart attack researching my particular heart problems, causes, treatment and medication used to treat the problem.
I do welcome advice from any source though, especially from a fellow sufferer.
Thanks Swim…
I actually felt thirsty last night for the first time in a while and manged to drink in small quantities without it coming back up 30 seconds later. The thought of food wasn’t quite so off-putting either and I had a sandwich. Laying in bed feeling better, I thought of all the things I could do today. I still haven’t unboxed the new leaf-blower that our son bought me and thought I might do that and use it.
The good feeling hasn’t carried on unfortunately. I always thought cancer treatments were supposed to make a person feel better but I haven’t felt what I’d call ‘well’ since the Radio Therapy finished. Chemotherapy begins on the 22nd of this month. I need to try and get a bit of enthusiasm and energy for it.
Edit: I appreciate the effort and treatment given by the cancer team. It isn’t their fault I have cancer and they can only use the means known to them to try and slow it down or cure it. I’ll bet one day, there will be a pill that can do the job.
You’ve been through so much in the last few months Mart. Your comment about the leaf blower brought tears to my eyes. It reminded me of how your lovely family came together to support you. Your son’s thoughtful present is a sign of hope for a return to normal life. We take the mundane tasks we can easily do so much for granted when we are well.
It’s good that you are eating & drinking a bit more without the nausea. Have you noticed any foods that trigger the reaction? They sometimes advise keeping a food diary and note any reactions. Gentle physical movement helps the digestive process too, as does a tummy rub. There are even instructions here from an NHS hospital! I’m not too sure about the kneading & effleurage when you’re in a delicate state already, but the stroking seems quite therapeutic.
How to perform self-abdominal massage:
Lie on your back, you may find it more comfortable to have a pillow under your
knees
Overlap your hands on your lower belly and hold them there as you focus on
your breathing for a few minutes
Apply suitable massage oil over your tummy and warm your hands by rubbing
them together for 30seconds
There are four basic strokes: stroking, effleurage, kneading and vibration
Glad to hear that you are at least having periods of relief and are able to tolerate a drink or something to eat Mart, I suspect that these feelings of wellbeing will gradually increase as your body returns to normal.
I do believe that cancer treatments are very damaging to our bodies but are necessary to stop or slow down the growth of the cancer, unfortunately, the treatments will kill you and it’s the specialists job to administer just enough to do the job without going too far. Hence the reason why a fit person can take the treatment for longer with better results.
You are a fit bloke Mart, and this will go in your favour when receiving the harsh treatments.
I would imagine your chances of survival are excellent, so stay positive and you will be as good as new in no time.
This forum and Mrs M need a Mart!
A good drink with plenty of goodness in it. I hope it sits well with you. All those appointments Besoeker! I think you’re a real hero. I know there are lots of them on this thread. Not so verbal as myself but heroic in a quieter but no less courageous way.
Is it more or less the same side effects as mine?
