Diarrhea (watery or loose bowel movements)
Diarrhea often happens a few days after you finish high dose chemotherapy and can last for a week or more. It can be severe and occur many times a day and wake you up at night. Diarrhea can also be a sign of infection, so if it is very watery, a sample of your stools will be taken and sent for testing.
If no infection is found, medications can be given to help slow or stop the diarrhea.
You will be asked to keep track of the number of bowel movements you have in a day. Dehydration can occur with liquid diarrhea. The signs of dehydration are dryness of skin and mouth, dizziness or light-headedness, decreased amounts of urine and sunken eyes. Drinking extra fluids when you have diarrhea can prevent dehydration.
Tips to help control diarrhea:
- Drink eight to twelve glasses of fluid a day.
- Eat and drink foods high in potassium, protein, and calories and low in fibre, like bananas, canned fruit, rice, pasta, dry toast, and eggs.
- You may temporarily become lactose intolerant and avoiding dairy products is recommended.
- Limit foods that may cause gas such as high fibre foods, fried or greasy foods, and spicy foods.
- Limit foods that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea and cola beverages.
Diarrhea often causes irritation and soreness of the rectal and anal area. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any pain or discomfort.
Tips to promote hygiene and comfort:
- After each bowel movement, clean your anal area gently with a warm wet cloth and pat dry. Unscented baby wipes or a soft washcloth can be gentler to a sore bottom than toilet paper.
- Try "sitz" baths to clean and soothe the anal area. Sit in a few inches of warm water at least twice a day.
- Medicated creams can be applied to protect the anal area and assist with healing.
