Urinary Issues and Constipation

We are all in the same boat with some types of bladder issues. Whether you are stage 1 and endure BCG or have had your bladder removed and all the other problems, the aches and pains can really throw you for a loop, but what do you do when constipation also kicks in? The true definition of constipation is a condition in which there is difficulty in emptying the bowels, usually associated with hardened feces. From the description alone, we can say that there are varying degrees of constipation.

Constipation with bladder cancer can be horrendous!

I mean that, literally. Any number of things can cause it: stress, medications, lack of water, or even a poor diet. The hardest part is that we already have pain and spasms from our bladder cancer, and now on top of this, we are adding intestinal pain, constant heaviness, cramping, nausea, and so much more.

Tips for dealing with constipation

So what can we do to ensure this doesn't happen - or if it does happen, what is the quickest way to end the suffering? There are many ways to help eliminate this problem and to keep it away.

Increase water intake

It could simply be a simple case of lack of water in your intestines. Starting simply, increase your water intake - dramatically. It is usually recommended that you drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily, and WARM liquids help even more.

Miralax powder

My next go-to if that doesn't work is Miralax. Miracle Powder! As a cancer patient, I deal with the possibility of constipation every day, so if I miss one day having a bowel movement, I increase my water intake. If day 2 arrives, I start with taking Miralax once a day mixed with water.

The cramping that comes with constipation is horrible. Quite honestly, Miralax is my miracle remedy. Within two days, I'll be fine. Please don't sit there and think those two days are fun and happy because they are not.

Stay ahead of the discomfort

The key to managing constipation is keeping ahead of it. Please don't wait until day 3, 4, or 5 to finally do something. I can assure you (from personal experience) that waiting that long can have even longer-lasting effects. After my lung cancer surgery and again after every TURBT, I find it challenging to get my bowels up and running again. Sometimes I can't even tell if my lower abdomen is in pain from my bladder or constipation, so I don't even wait - I take my Miralax and stay ahead of the discomfort.