TIPS FOR MANAGING DIARRHEA

If you experience diarrhea as a side effect of your radiation (three or more bowel movements per day -- especially if they are loose or watery). The following steps are recommended in helping to control diarrhea:

1. Eliminate all fruit, fruit juices and raw vegetables from your diet. Try an over the counter anti-diarrheal medication such as Imodium, Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol.
2. If step one doesn’t work, stronger medication by prescription may be necessary if diarrhea (stool frequency more than two per day) is not controlled by the above measures.
3. If step two doesn’t work try avoiding other foods that may be contributing to the diarrhea. Examples are: whole grain breads and cereals, nuts, fried foods and/or heavily spiced foods. Avoid milk or milk products if they seem to aggravate diarrhea.

Other recommendations if diarrhea occurs:

• Maintain a good fluid intake (2-3 quarts per day).
• Drink most fluids between meals rather than with meals.
• Eat small frequent meals.
• Chew food slowly and thoroughly.
• Be gentle with your skin if irritation develops. Keep skin clean and dry using only mild soap and lukewarm water.
• Sitting in a warm bath may relieve rectal discomfort. Creams are available to soothe rectal irritation.

ALWAYS LET US KNOW IF DIARRHEA IS NOT BEING CONTROLLED BY DIETARY CHANGES AND/OR MEDICATION.