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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Abnormal Bowel Movements Along With Distended Stomach

I had bilateral radical mastectomy 4/22/2013 along with 96 lymph nodes surgically removed which 68 had cancer. Left breast was ductal adenocarcinoma and the right breast was in-sitsu adenocarcinoma. Could my slow BMs that are days apart and very hard and dry, stomach stays very distended with considerable flatulence even though I have lost about 50 pounds, (I am 5 10 , 205 pounds, female, and 68 years old) be indicative of abdominal cancer. My CA 15-3 is 5.1 ad my CEA is 2.4 as of January, 2015. I take 7 stool softeners and 3 Senekote without fail twice daily.
Tue, 28 Feb 2023
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Anesthesiologist 's  Response
Hello,

Your CA 15-3 and CEA levels are normal. Regarding abdominal bloating and changes or abnormal bowel movements may be because of the following:
1) Inflammatory bowel disease
2) Irritable bowel syndrome
3) Not enough fiber. You may become constipated if you don’t eat enough high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Eating a lot of high-fat meats, dairy products and eggs, sweets, or processed foods may cause constipation.
4) Not enough fluids. Water and other fluids help fiber work better, so not drinking enough liquids can contribute to harder stools that are more difficult to pass.
5) Lack of physical activity. Not getting enough exercise or long periods of inactivity due to illness or following surgery may cause constipation.

The following are my recommendations:
1) Eat a healthy diet. Your diet should contain ample natural fiber from sources like fresh fruits and vegetables, either cooked or raw, along with whole-grain cereals and breads.
2) Be sure to get enough fluids. With too little fluid, constipation can get worse. Drinking enough water, juice, and other fluids can help you have regular bowel movements.
3) Stay active. Do things that keep you moving and active. For example, go for walks. Participate in physical activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your everyday life.

If your constipation and abdominal bloating don't subside, you may need to undergo colonoscopy examination to rule out any tumors and cancer colon. Please do consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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General & Family Physician Dr. Sunny Madar's  Response
Hi,

Needs USG abdomen and after physical examination by gastroenterologist can tell this straight forward yes or no and may require CT or MRI to. Study more, you are already taking many meds (eat more fibers in food like fruits and juices steamed vegetables, amla, aloe vera basil etc.), consult with a gastroenterologist.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Sunny Madar, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful

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Suggest Treatment For Abnormal Bowel Movements Along With Distended Stomach

Hello, Your CA 15-3 and CEA levels are normal. Regarding abdominal bloating and changes or abnormal bowel movements may be because of the following: 1) Inflammatory bowel disease 2) Irritable bowel syndrome 3) Not enough fiber. You may become constipated if you don’t eat enough high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Eating a lot of high-fat meats, dairy products and eggs, sweets, or processed foods may cause constipation. 4) Not enough fluids. Water and other fluids help fiber work better, so not drinking enough liquids can contribute to harder stools that are more difficult to pass. 5) Lack of physical activity. Not getting enough exercise or long periods of inactivity due to illness or following surgery may cause constipation. The following are my recommendations: 1) Eat a healthy diet. Your diet should contain ample natural fiber from sources like fresh fruits and vegetables, either cooked or raw, along with whole-grain cereals and breads. 2) Be sure to get enough fluids. With too little fluid, constipation can get worse. Drinking enough water, juice, and other fluids can help you have regular bowel movements. 3) Stay active. Do things that keep you moving and active. For example, go for walks. Participate in physical activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your everyday life. If your constipation and abdominal bloating don t subside, you may need to undergo colonoscopy examination to rule out any tumors and cancer colon. Please do consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist