After chemotherapy, my intestines hurt, what to do

Restoration of intestinal microflora after chemotherapy must be consistent and comprehensive. The pathological condition of the body is associated with taking medications.

The treatment process after oncology chemotherapy requires systemic medication. Particular attention should be paid to those organs that have suffered from the negative effects of drugs with cytotoxic, alkylating and cytotoxic effects. Medicines initiate the destruction of cancer elements by regularly affecting DNA structures. Anticancer substances effectively affect the development of infected cells and, as a rule, human health. Cellular structures of the bone marrow, mucous membrane, liver parenchyma, hair follicles, skin.

Features of chemotherapy

Chemotherapy carries a serious toxic load on internal organs and other body systems (including intestinal microflora). It is for this reason that the patient needs a high-quality recovery process and thoughtful rehabilitation. Prevention of pathological disease must be carried out strictly according to the approved scheme with a qualified specialist. Such strict precautions are due to the fact that a high level of intoxication affects the development of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Candidiasis quite often occurs as a consequence of long-term use of medications. In 90% of cases after chemotherapy there is a risk of developing thrush.

Under optimal conditions, staphylococcus can increase in number without hindrance and dynamically move through small arteries. Thus, inflammatory areas will develop with further transformation into thrombosis, sepsis and dangerous bleeding. There are cases where death can occur.

Symptoms and complications

The recovery process after chemotherapy is very important for damaged intestinal cells. After all, it is the absorption organ that receives large volumes of toxins, which it is not able to productively remove from the body. Patients experience:

feeling of nausea with regular vomiting attacks;
long-term intestinal disorders (diarrhea);
serious problems with urination (dysuria);
pain in the muscles and bones;
bile duct dyskinesia;
chronic exacerbation of gastric ulcers;
pathological diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Anticancer drugs provoke the development of myelosuppression and quite seriously inhibit the hematopoietic function of the bone marrow. Thus, blood pathology occurs (anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia). The blow to the cells and tissues of the lymphoid system and stomatitis of the mucous membrane is quite serious. In 86% of patients, chemotherapy is accompanied by complete hair loss with a form of anagen diffuse alopecia.

The lion's share of antitumor drugs are immunosuppressants, which systemically affect the miotic mode of cell division. This way ensures a high degree of protection for the entire organism and minimizes phagocytosis. It is for this reason that treatment after chemotherapy can significantly increase the body’s immunity and resistance to various infections.

Drugs taken after chemotherapy

To restore the functions of all damaged organs and systems, it is important to undergo a set of measures. Among the drugs that need to be used after a course of chemotherapy are the following:

Antiemetics - Cerucal, Tropisetron, etc.
For the treatment of the liver, since metabolites of anticancer drugs are excreted in urine and bile. Oncologists prescribe hepaprotectors to patients: Gepabene, Essentiale, Heptral.
To increase the content of leukocytes and neutrophils - granulocyte growth factors, for example, Filgrastim.
For the treatment of stomatitis caused by anticancer treatment - Chlorhexidine solution 0.1%, Corsodil, Elurdil - for mouth rinse.
To restore the hematopoietic functions of the bone marrow - Erythropoietin and its analogues. In very severe cases, a blood or red blood cell transfusion will be prescribed.
To eliminate diarrhea, Loperamide and Smecta are used.
Medicines against thrombocytopenia - low platelet levels that impair the blood's ability to clot. Erythrophosphatide is widely used to eliminate pathology.
Painkillers, antipyretics and anti-inflammatory drugs - Paracetamol, Berliton.
Eliminating or alleviating the condition of toxic phlebitis (inflammation of the veins): Indovazin, Hepatrombin, Troxevasin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, Gumbix.

Restoration of the absorptive organ ecosystem after a course of chemotherapy

In order to restore the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, a large amount of effort will be required. Drug correction is one of the most effective and reliable means of stabilizing microflora. In practical medicine, preparations are often used that are made from plantain, echinacea, bee products and other homeopathic substances (echinacea compositum, immunoflazide). Interferon-type drugs (Laferon, Cycloferon, Roncoleukin) and amino acid structures (Imunofan) have proven themselves to be quite reliable and of high quality.

An integrated approach to restoring the immune system will allow you to quickly achieve a positive result in recovery. Qualified specialists often prescribe hepatoprotective medications (Carsil, Metamax, B vitamins, Hepadif, Essentiale).

It is necessary to use medications under the strict supervision of a specialist who competently studies the patient’s immunogram. The uncontrolled use of protective type modulators is unacceptable.

Therapy should be based on the area where the disorder is specifically concentrated. In case of insufficient cellular immunity, the use of timolin and lycopid may be prescribed. Replacement therapy for humoral disorders includes the use of high quality immunoglobulins (sandoglobulin, pentaglobin, etc.).

The recovery process should closely correlate with the following tips:

complete cessation of harmful habits (smoking, drinking alcoholic and carbonated drinks);
normalization of the sleep process, a healthy lifestyle and a rational diet;
timely and high-quality treatment of chronic diseases;
systemic elimination of all causes that provoke immune imbalance;
the use of multivitamin complexes (vitrum, duovit) and various vitamins (A, C, E) and immunomodulators;
It is required to strictly adhere to the instructions and recommendations of the attending physician.

Hardening the body is an effective remedy that allows you to reliably modernize the body’s protective senses. This process should be carried out on the principles of consistency and priority.

Remember! Air baths and water procedures must be carried out at normal temperatures. Otherwise, this can lead to a significant decrease in the properties of the immune system.

The Russian bathhouse is a reliable source for maintaining the patient’s strength. The therapeutic effect of steaming the body is to stimulate blood flow through tissues and vital organs. This leads to the elimination of toxic products, the elimination of inflammatory areas in the body and a more dynamic synthesis of immunoglobulins. Visiting the bathhouse should not go against contraindications in the development of pathological disorders.

Elimination of diarrhea after chemotherapy

The drug course of treatment, which is aimed at completely eliminating diarrhea, is based on taking the drug Loperamide (or Enterobene, Imodium). The medicine should be taken no more than 4 mg (2 capsules) after the appearance of loose stools. In this case, the maximum daily dose reaches 16 mg. Loperamide can mainly cause severe headaches and prolonged dizziness. Quite often a person experiences sleep disturbances, a feeling of nausea and gag reflexes, and dry mouth.

The drug Diosorb (or Smecta, Diosmectite) effectively strengthens the mucous surface of all parts of the intestine, even with the development of any form of etiology. The medicine is carefully diluted in 100 ml of water and does not exceed 3 sachets per day. It is recommended not to take other medications for 90 minutes.

The antidiarrheal substance Neointestopan adsorbs pathogenic pathogens and dangerous toxins in all parts of the gastrointestinal tract. The drug should be taken 4 tablets strictly after bowel movements. If there is a high risk of dehydration, you should resort to the services of Octreotide. This injection solution is administered into the body in precise doses of 0.1 mg three times in 24 hours. Side effects of the drug are: anorexia, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain and increased bloating.

Antibiotic substances are prescribed by the attending physician when diarrhea is combined with elevated body temperature (38-39°C). To completely normalize the work, it is advisable to resort to the use of different amounts of biological products: Bifikol, Baktisubtil (3 capsules for 24 hours). In this case, nutrition should be strictly dosed (fractional) with large fluid intake.

Bloody diarrhea after chemotherapy

Often, cancer patients experience diarrhea after chemotherapy, the treatment of which is necessary, especially if it is severe and is associated with a danger to the patient’s life. In an analysis of 43 cytostatic drugs, it was proven that 18 of them have such a side effect in 10% of treatment cases.

Diarrhea during treatment with chemotherapy drugs is explained, first of all, by their toxic effect on the epithelial cells of the large and small intestines. Much less often this occurs due to the development, under the influence of cytostatics, pathogenic microflora or the cholinergic effect of the drug.

A complication such as diarrhea is assessed in terms of its severity. The following degrees of severity are distinguished:

I degree. The stool becomes liquid, bowel movements occur up to three times a day.
II degree. The frequency of defecation reaches up to 6 times, there may be slight spasms in the intestines, and traces of mucus are noted.
III degree. There is bloody discharge and severe cramps in the stool. Defecation - up to 9 times a day.
IV degree. Stool up to 10 times or more often. Blood in stool. Severe dehydration.

With diarrhea after chemotherapy, orthostatic collapse, dizziness, weakness and lethargy may occur. Cramping pain in the intestines often occurs, and blood and mucus are observed in the stool. With massive loss of fluid comes tissue dehydration, loss of electrolytes and, as a consequence, blood thickening, anemia, exhaustion, and heart rhythm disturbances.

Recovery using traditional medicine

Experienced healers and serious healers quite often resort to folk remedies that have antimicrobial effects. Healing herbs and honey are effective remedies that have a productive effect on pathological intestinal disorders. The following have antibacterial properties: sage, St. John's wort, rose hips, chamomile, coltsfoot, plantain. From these plants you can easily prepare a healing “potion”, which is used according to a strict scheme. Here are the highest quality recipes.

Recipe No. 1

Pharmaceutical chamomile + green plantain leaves + St. John's wort + rose hips (all in equal parts). 1 tablespoon of a complex mixture of herbs is poured into 500 ml of boiling water. This solution is transferred to a water bath and heated for at least 45 minutes. The treatment process lasts 25 days. Every day you need to drink 130 mL of solution strictly before meals (10-15 minutes).

Recipe No. 2

Dry sage + rose hips + strawberry leaves. 1 tbsp. collection is diluted with boiling water and infused for about 60 minutes in a water bath. The solution is drunk 60 ml 1 hour before meals. The entire course of treatment continues for 30 days. Regular and orderly actions will allow dysbacteriosis to quickly go away.

Treatment with honey is quite a useful and tasty therapy. Dysbacteriosis is accompanied by active reproduction of Proteus and staphylococcal (streptococcal) flora. Honey has antimicrobial effects. To obtain a successful result, you will need to drink honey liquid (1 tbsp + 250 ml of water) for 45 days.

Source: ozdravin.ru

The effect of chemotherapy on the intestines

In 80% of patients undergoing chemotherapy, the blood picture changes. Cytostatic agents primarily attack cells that are dividing rapidly. The tissue that divides the fastest in the body is bone marrow. This is why chemotherapy also reduces the concentration of white blood cells. The number may be so low that there is an increased risk of infection in the intestines and other organs. Often there is also a decrease in the number of red blood cells, which leads to weakness.

The intestines after chemotherapy may feel severe pain. Patients most often develop nausea and diarrhea. There are acute and delayed nausea. It occurs only 4-5 days after chemotherapy. Acute nausea is very treatable and can usually be completely prevented with preventive medications.

Many patients also experience discomfort and taste disturbances that occur after chemotherapy. Patients complain that everything tastes “soft.” Other side effects include diarrhea or constipation.

Because chemotherapy affects the mucous membranes and bacteria in the intestines, it can cause diarrhea. However, some chemotherapy agents primarily cause constipation. Even medications used to treat nausea cause constipation. Very rarely, drugs lead to bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms - diarrhea or constipation - respond well to treatment. For diarrhea, in the vast majority of cases, medications are prescribed that slow down intestinal motility. During diarrhea, patients should drink tea and take saline solutions in the form of chicken broth. It is important to prevent dehydration until symptoms go away on their own.

If constipation occurs due to chemotherapy, then drugs are used that stimulate intestinal activity. It is also helpful if patients drink enough fluids and eat high-fiber foods. If you are constipated, you should also consult a doctor, as there is a risk of developing mechanical intestinal obstruction.

During breast cancer treatment, opioids are often prescribed to relieve pain. Drugs cause side effects such as constipation or breathing problems. These cases are referred to as opioid-induced constipation. The muscles in the intestines are suppressed, so peristalsis slows down. However, the degree of constipation varies from patient to patient.

Laxatives increase the flow of water into the intestines, which stimulates peristalsis. The dose of laxatives is adjusted according to the frequency of bowel movements.

There are medications that stimulate intestinal activity. In severe cases of constipation, enemas can also help. Medications that specifically target opiate-induced constipation also alleviate the complaints of those affected. They act directly on receptors in the intestines and relieve constipation.

I or II degree of diarrhea

If the patient has a mild or moderate degree, then treatment consists of replenishing lost fluid orally.
The rapid restoration of the lack of fluid and salts is facilitated by taking the drug Regidron. Pain syndrome is relieved with the help of analgesics and antispasmodics (no-spa, baralgin, platifillin). The patient is recommended to take Loperamide (Imodium, Enterobene). Side effects from this medicine may include stomach pain, headache, dizziness, and dry mouth. Sometimes nausea and vomiting occur.

The drug Diosorb (Smecta) also has a good effect. It is used for diarrhea of any origin and is aimed at strengthening the intestinal mucosa. Has virtually no side effects. Reduces the rate of absorption of medications, therefore, at least 1.5 hours should pass after internal administration of any drug and before taking Diosorb.

Neointestopan, or Attapulgite, is also effective against diarrhea. It reduces the number of bowel movements due to the adsorption of toxins and infectious agents in the intestinal mucosa. Helps normalize flora.

Herbs that have an astringent effect are widely used to treat diarrhea. These include oak bark, St. John's wort, blueberries, and chamomile.

Blood loss due to diarrhea and suppression of bone marrow cell activity by anticancer drugs lead to the development of anemia. To restore hemoglobin levels, agents that stimulate bone marrow function are used. One such drug is Erythropoietin. Iron-containing drugs are used as replacement therapy. The most effective among them is Totema. Glucocorticoids are prescribed as adjuvant therapy.

Ways to restore the intestines after a course of chemotherapy

A patient who chooses to undergo rehabilitation should speak with a doctor or social worker during outpatient or inpatient chemotherapy. During treatment, you can apply for health insurance to pay for rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation measures begin 1-2 weeks after completion of therapy. However, a prerequisite is the stability of the patient's condition. At the beginning of rehabilitation, intensive therapy is not required.

Drug therapy

Laxatives are herbal or synthetic medications that increase the frequency of bowel movements, normalize stool consistency and reduce the risk of constipation. Some saline laxatives are used to cleanse the colon. Sufficiently high doses of laxatives cause diarrhea.

Physiotherapy and lifestyle

If the goals of therapy are established, the doctor prescribes suitable rehabilitation measures. During regular visits, the doctor asks and evaluates the progress of therapy. If necessary, treatments will be more frequent or more intense.

The prescribed measures help eliminate neuropathy in the gastrointestinal tract. Baths, occupational therapy, or physical therapy are important treatment options. They expose the nerves to various stimuli and allow the limbs to move despite discomfort. All this helps the nerves recover from the stress of chemotherapy. Experience shows that burning pain and discomfort can be reduced with these procedures.

Physiotherapy is a way to restore the intestines after chemotherapy

The network of specialists who care for chemotherapy patients at a rehabilitation facility is as diverse as many other therapeutic options. In addition to oncology-trained physicians, patients are cared for by psychologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, sports therapists and nutritionists.

Looking at the patient's lifestyle is also part of rehabilitation. The goal is to increase awareness that there is something a person can do to manage their illness and reduce the risk of relapse. During the rehabilitation process, the patient learns in which areas he can influence his own cancer. Therefore, exercise and sports are part of the treatment plan. Patients are advised to quit smoking and alcohol.

Therapeutic goals and components are aimed at more than just physical recovery. No less important is the restoration of the psyche and body. Individual or group discussions can help manage stress during chemotherapy. Compassion and awareness that something bad has happened to the patient helps in cancer treatment. This help is especially important for people living with mental illness, regardless of cancer diagnosis.

Fears, hopes and concerns, for example due to physical limitations, can be discussed in the private, secure environment of a rehabilitation clinic. Experienced therapists provide support and stimulate motivation to return to your previous life.

Is rehabilitation required after chemotherapy?

Several studies have shown that rehabilitation interventions significantly reduce the incidence of cancer. The positive effect of rehabilitation after cancer lasted for a very long time - up to 10 years.

Rehabilitation had the greatest impact on the patient's psychosocial well-being. In addition, especially patients with mental illness benefited from rehabilitation.

Even though cancer rehabilitation is often worthwhile, cancer patients should not undergo it after completing treatment. Whether rehabilitation is necessary and beneficial can be discussed with your doctor. Usually, after completion of treatment or after a successful operation, he will inform you about possible rehabilitation measures.

The treating physician can also explain exactly what a customized rehabilitation center would look like. In addition to your doctor, you can also contact the hospital's social services to plan your treatment.

The role of diet in intestinal rehabilitation after chemotherapy

The connection and importance of nutrition and cancer today is undeniable. A healthy diet reduces the risk of cancer and helps prevent recurrence after chemotherapy. It provides the body with important protective substances that have a positive effect on the course of the disease.

Not only are the essential nutrients – protein, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins and minerals – crucial for a healthy diet, but also a large amount of fibre, lactobacilli and phytoncides.

The most common healthy foods for cancer are:

plant products with biologically active substances;
vitamins, minerals and trace elements;
dried fruits;
dairy products.

Dried fruits are useful for intestinal recovery after chemotherapy
Risk factors:

poor quality food, smoking, alcohol;
overeating, excess weight;
too much fat, animal protein, salt, sugar and coffee;
too few plant food ingredients and fiber;
use of nitrosamines;
environmental toxins;
poor eating habits: eating too fast, eating large portions or having a monotonous diet.

There is no healthy food that is suitable for every person. Classic whole foods may be just right for one, but too stressful for another. Many people do well with a blend of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine that is not dominated by raw foods or whole grains.

The following basic rules must be followed after chemotherapy:

The most nutritious are plant foods: vegetables of all kinds, legumes, salads, wholemeal products, nuts and fruits. The fewer stages of food processing, the more healthy ingredients it contains. But not everyone can tolerate raw food.
Instead of fatty meat, you should eat lean meat. Overall meat consumption should be reduced. Protein needs can be met by high-quality plant foods. A complete abstinence from meat is not necessary; consumption of sausages and processed meats should be strictly limited. You should also remember to limit your consumption of cow's milk.
Sugar should be reduced slowly and replaced as needed.
It is recommended to drink enough mineral waters and herbal teas. Juices are recommended only in diluted form.

A healthy diet is of great importance for cancer prevention. It makes no sense for a cancer patient to look for unsuccessful or untested “anti-cancer” diets in clinical trials. It is very important to create a healthy and varied diet consisting of all the necessary products.

Source: oonkologii.ru

Diet for diarrhea after chemotherapy

To speed up the recovery process, it is also important to pay attention to nutrition. At the initial stage, you should eat only liquid food, which will be easy to digest. You can prepare suitable dishes by steaming or boiling.

On the very first day of the disorder, it is advisable to drink only water, maybe mineral water, but definitely without gas.

You should carefully monitor your caloric intake for 5 days after symptoms appear. The diet should contain more proteins, but fats and carbohydrates should be limited.

The following should be excluded from the diet:

Fatty types of meat and fish;
Marinades;
Pickles;
Spices;
Smoked meats;
Sparkling water;
Milk and dairy products;
Rough food.

It is advisable not to eat onions, garlic, radishes, sour fruits and berries, legumes, as well as fresh bread and baked goods.

Vegetables and fruits must be peeled before consumption, as the peel is quite rough and can harm the intestines.

It is necessary to eat food often, but in small portions, eat slowly, chewing thoroughly. It is advisable that the food be warm, as too low or too high a temperature irritates the intestines.

Causes of pain after chemotherapy

Quite often, after a course of chemotherapy, a seriously ill patient experiences pain in various areas of the body. Depending on its location, we can guess which organ was affected (heart, lungs, kidneys). In this case, the symptom bothers you for a long time until the recovery period passes.

As already mentioned, effective drugs used to treat malignant diseases negatively affect not only cancerous structures, but also healthy tissues. The toxic effect disrupts the functional ability of organs, sometimes even the structure. If there are metastases or a primary tumor in the organs, the pain is much more intense.

Also, pain occurs when nerve endings are involved in the pathological process. After exposure to chemotherapy, the size of the tumor can decrease, change shape, squeezing, pushing back the nerves. As a result, pain appears.

In addition, after a course of chemotherapy, the level of immune defense decreases, which predisposes to infection. As a result, an inflammatory process develops, which in turn is manifested by pain, swelling, and redness of the tissues.

For example, cytostatics (nitrosourea derivatives, platinum compounds) affect the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, promoting hepatic and renal dysfunction. Changes are observed in the hematopoietic organs, nervous and reproductive systems.

Cancer drugs such as Cisplatin and Methotrexate are nephrotoxic. Paclitaxel causes damage to the lungs, esophagus, intestines, joints, and muscles. Vincristine causes bone pain. In this regard, pain can occur everywhere, depending on the type of drug used.

Causes of diarrhea during chemotherapy rules

Most often, the disease develops for two reasons: due to the use of cytostatic drugs and as a result of leukopenia. The fact is that chemotherapy drugs are toxic not only to malignant cells, but also to healthy ones. First of all, they affect the red bone marrow, as well as the intestinal walls. As a result, ulcers can form in the digestive tract, which interferes with the normal absorption of food and speeds up its passage through the intestines. And as a result, diarrhea occurs during chemotherapy.

Leukopenia contributes to the appearance of diarrhea after chemotherapy only indirectly. In essence, this is a sharp decrease in the body's defenses, as a result of which the risk of contracting any infections, including intestinal ones, increases. In this case, diarrhea may also be accompanied by vomiting, as well as an increase in body temperature.

Diarrhea during chemotherapy is common

Less common causes include stress, complications after surgery, and poor diet.