I had rectal cancer 2 and a 1/2 years ago which thankfully was cured through surgery and I appreciate I am one of the lucky ones.How ever it has left my bowel in a terrible and painful state with a constant need to push and the need for manual evacuation and suppositories as it feels like i have a stick up my bottom. This isn't all the time but comes in waves but is restricting my life and seriously affecting my mental health. Has any one else experienced anything similar and do they have any tips. Also did Aqua flush help and how helpful was the hospital as I am not getting anywhere with them.Can you get an Aqua flush privately ? Thank you for reading this.
Hi Verity1 and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to hear about the challenges you are having.
Having been on my cancer journey for over 26 years with 4 different cancers navigating this journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but talking with and getting support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend that you look to join and put up your own post in our dedicated…….
Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer
…….. support group.
This group is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
As always the Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support or just a listening ear.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
