4. Changes in Bowel Habits: When ‘Regular’ Becomes a Relative Term
Now let’s talk about something that many find uncomfortable: bowel habits. When you have peritoneal mesothelioma, your standard “bathroom routine” can go out the window. You might experience prolonged episodes of diarrhea, constipation, or even a cycle of both. This symptom is particularly vexing because it disrupts your day-to-day life.
Why does this happen? As the cancer progresses, it can begin to obstruct the intestines, messing up the natural rhythm of your digestive system. This obstruction leads to inconsistent bowel movements, leading you on a merry-go-round of digestive woes.
The texture and appearance of your stool may also undergo changes. If you’ve always paid attention to what’s “normal” for you, this can be quite alarming. Your stool might appear unusually dark or have an irregular shape, and the changes are consistent, not just a one-off event.
Now, nobody enjoys talking about their bowel habits, but ignoring them is a big mistake. These changes are your body’s way of indicating that all is not well in the abdominal region. It’s a signal that should not be taken lightly or attributed to minor digestive issues.
Contrary to common gastrointestinal issues, which might improve with dietary adjustments, these symptoms linger. If ‘normal’ for you has suddenly become a relative term when it comes to bowel movements, it’s a red flag. Your digestive system is essentially sounding an alarm that something is awry. (4)
