Diarrhea

Below are helpful tips and strategies, along with a tracking chart to keep track of your bowel movements.

These complementary strategies can help - when implemented in conjunction with your medications.

CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF YOU HAVE:

  • A fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher

  • Severe Diarrhea: Defined by the American Cancer Society as 7 or more stools/day than usual

  • Weakness or dizziness

  • Any questions or concerns

Tracking:

Write down number of bowel movements a day.

None – Same number of stools as usual

Mild – 1 to 3 more stools than usual

Moderate – 4 to 6 more stools than usual

Severe – 7 or more stools than usual; weakness or dizziness (CALL YOUR DR!)

Monday # of BMs: _______  None  Mild  Moderate  Severe

Tuesday # of BMs: _______  None  Mild  Moderate  Severe

Wednesday # of BMs: _______  None  Mild  Moderate  Severe

Thursday # of BMs: _______  None  Mild  Moderate  Severe

Friday # of BMs: _______  None  Mild  Moderate  Severe

Saturday # of BMs: _______  None  Mild  Moderate  Severe

Sunday # of BMs: _______  None  Mild  Moderate  Severe

Generally speaking, it is best to get ahead of diarrhea. As soon as you start to feel its onset, take your anti-diarrheal medications as directed by your oncology team.

How to Prepare:

  1. Stock up on good, quality, soft toilet paper

2. Keep wipes, incontinence supplies and even change of underwear at the ready and in different locations: THINK…your car, your office, bag (it can come on quick, anywhere)

3. Stock up on all kinds of beverages, including sports drinks with electrolytes

4. Fill prescriptions from your provider

5. Consider purchasing OTC anti-diarrhea meds

BE PREPARED

An attack can sneak up on you REALLY quickly and REALLY urgently. Sometimes it comes in waves that require urgent toileting needs. As such, preparing for the unexpected can help should a flare-up occur.

Below are some tips:

TOILET PAPER.

STOCK UP prior to infusions AND SPLURGE on QUALITY toilet paper. This is not an area that you want to cut corners or skimp on. If diarrhea continues, your bottom may become more sore and having rough toilet paper may make you even more uncomfortable. Having soft toilet paper is a kind gift to yourself.

1

CLOSEST BATHROOM.

If you have had diarrhea on any given day, you may have another bout later. Keep this in mind if you are headed away from your home base. Consider that you may have an uncontrollable situation along the way. Planning ahead can help.

Before you leave for your errand/ appointment, KNOW THE LOCATION OF THE CLOSEST PUBLIC BATHROOMS on the route. Many grocery stores have them, as do bigger chain stores and larger gas stations.

2

WIPES / INCONTINENCE. 

You may want to invest in special, flushable wipes and have some at home, as well as in your bag when you go on errands/ appointments and/or in your car.

Incontinence supplies may seem like overkill, and it might be, but if you have been experiencing sporadic, sudden, and unpredictable BMs, this may be an invaluable purchase. Just something to consider.

3

HYDRATION.

Having loose stools can cause dehydration. It is very important to drink extra water/fluids during this time.

4

  • Keep water bottles throughout home in common areas.

    Visual Cue

  • Set up a "water intake" timer on your phone. There a number of free apps that can help you track your water intake.

    Audio Cue

  • Combine the act of drinking a glass of water with another habit you already do on a regular basis, such as making coffee or brushing your teeth.

    Habit Stacking

  • Drink a glass of water immediately upon waking, before every meal, and before bed.

    Habit Forming

FOOD CHOICES THAT WILL HELP MINIMIZE DIARRHEA…

While food cannot resolve the side effects of chemotherapy, it can work as a nice complement to medications.

Generally, BLAND, LOW-FIBER is best.

TRY THE BRAT DIET:

  • Banana

  • Rice

  • Applesauce

  • Toast

AVOID:

  • dairy

  • greasy foods

  • spicy foods

  • alcohol/caffeine