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Radiation proctitis

Dancinbear
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I had chemoradiation treatment for anal cancer approx 8 years ago and have suffered discomfort, pressure and loose stools with little warning when bowels move. If I am not near a toilet then I cannot hold on.

I have recently been diagnosed with radiation proctitis and take loperamide daily which helps but does not control the condition. Before leaving home or going to work I keep my food intake at a minimum in effort to reduce times my bowels move when I am away from home.

I also suffer from frequent uti's and don't know if this is also a result to past treatment.

I have a partial prolapse and following a recent MRI have been told my rectum has collapsed. Any suggestions re how to manage this condition.

  • Hi Dancinbear.

    Thanks for getting in touch with us and welcome to the online community. I hope you will find it supportive. My name’s Helen  and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I’m sorry to hear about your symptoms and how they are affecting you. Cancer Research UK suggest that steroid suppositories may help but unfortunately these can only be prescribed for a short time.

    We would suggest you speak to you GP or your team at the hospital about these symptoms to see if there is more they can do to help. You can also discuss with them whether a referral to a physiotherapist would be appropriate and ask them to refer you for a continence assessment.

    A physiotherapist or community continence adviser can give you advice and information about dealing with diarrhoea or other bowel problems and a continence adviser can also give you pads if you need them.

    Our web site has information about managing bowel late effects and Cancer Research UK has tips for coping with diarrhoea.

    There are chats going on within our online community about manging radiation proctitis which you will find helpful and our toilet card and key ring is designed to give you urgent access to a toilet when out in public. You can sigh up and order one online.

    The National Key Scheme (NKS) offers disabled people independent access to locked public toilets around the country, and you can find out where to get one of their RADAR keys from Disability Rights UK.

    I hope this information is of some help.

    Best wishes

    Helen Kirkham:  Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

    Ref: HK/RC

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