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Feeling I want a ‘poo’ even when I’ve been to the toilet

Ange19
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  • 35 subscribers
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Hi

I completed adjuvant radiotherapy in June this year, I had 25 sessions to treat womb cancer.  

Afterwards my bowels were a bit disturbed, sometimes a bit runny, other times constipated and sometimes alright.  Lately, just over the last few days, I go to the toilet for a poo which is solid, and I’ve started feeling afterwards I still need to go and when  I do a little bit comes out and it happens a few times.

I was wondering if this would be because of the radiotherapy.  Sorry for being graphic, nut can’t really explain it any other way.

Thanks 

Ange

  • Hi Ange

    Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Gemma and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    Sorry to read you have been having issues over the last couple of days after your treatment for Womb Cancer.

    Radiotherapy for womb cancer can cause side effects, including irritation to the bowel. Eating a low-fibre diet during treatment and for a few weeks afterwards may help reduce diarrhoea. You should also drink plenty of fluids.

    Pelvic radiotherapy often causes bowel symptoms. These usually get better within a few weeks of treatment ending. However, some people have late effects that start months or years after treatment.

    We would always advise speaking to your consultant or specialist nurse if you have side effects that don’t go away or new symptoms after treatment has ended.

    Your doctor or nurse will usually ask about your bowel problems and things that affect your symptoms. It is important that they properly assess your situation. The right treatments for bowel control problems depend on your symptoms and what is causing them.

    I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support

    Best Wishes

    Gemma

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    Ref-GeS/SMc

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

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