Nine weeks after chemo/radiotherapy and still very painful

My experience is very similar to yours. I'd hoped for a return to 'normal' pooping by now, but between the treatment effects and some new and unwelcome hemorrhoids, the pain levels are soaring. I still have some Oxycodones but I know they won't be able to give me any more, and they are the only thing that brings relief.

My husband installed a bidet attachment to our commode with a warm water option. That's been a life saver, although it's a help, not a cure.

Have you tried psyllium husk? I take that several times a day, and while my poo is still hard and prickly, it's better than it was. I can't take laxatives because they make me sit on the pot all day with lava pouring out of me. I just can't.

Balneol lotion has been very helpful. Just a few drops on a (fragrance-free) baby wipe does the trick.

Following this with interest as I'd sure like to think about something- anything- but my own behind. 

I am so relieved to hear I am not the only one - although obviously not at your expense.  The consultant said to me some people take longer to recover - and of course I (and you and Neilsbum) fall into that category.  I haven't tried psyllium husk as the Normacol granules have worked really well for me.  However, I thought I had solved the problem by using steroid foam as instructed, but the pain has come back.  I can only assume that the skin keeps splitting in and around the anus.  I too have an extreme reaction to laxatives (except when I was taking morphine) and now completely avoid them.. And don't ever try prune juice!  I think it took less than half and hour to go right through me.  Am about to order some Balneol lotion, I will let you know how I get on.

Hi All, I am a year post treatment and remember it well the discomfort passing bowel movements either constipated or the other. I now pretty much getting on with life but do know diet plays a big part in bowel problems. I tried to eat healthy with plenty of vegetables and whole meal bread. I drink lacto free milk and decaf coffee. A couple of months ago I read about taking molasses to help regulate bowel movements. So every night I add a teaspoon of organic blackstrap molasses to a full glass of very warm water before bed. I believe this has produced soft formed stools (sorry for the description) in the morning and also I seem to have a full nights sleep. I believe it’s full of magnesium. I can cope with a good heaped teaspoon but some might need more or less. Just after my treatment ended I too had some dreadful fissures which I was prescribed a popular treatment which gave me excruciating headache. So I had to go back to taking morphine. Also what massively helps is to find a suitable lubricant and try and massage into the skin around the anus to help prevent splits. I used a provicol balm made with natural ingredients. I still do for prevention. Things do improve as time goes on and even now I can get some discomfort with bowel movements particularly in the morning but the pain is nothing compared with what it was. I’ve learnt it’s trial and error with food and creams. You will all get there!

• Hi Jaycee12 what do the blackstrap molasses taste like? Are they an acquired taste? Bev 

Hi Bev, yes I would say it is. It taste like black treacle. This is why I drink it down in a large glass of water. I thought drinking so much water before bed would result me into having to get up numerous times to visit the bathroom but oddly it doesn’t. I am sleeping so well since taking it. The blackstrap is rich in iron, magnesium and vitamins and is supposed to be beneficial for IBS symptoms. I would be constipated first thing in the morning with very hard stools and then very loose an hour later. Taking this has help me so much. I know we are all different and it’s finding something that works for you isn’t it. Julie

Thank you - another thing to add to my list!  I am relieved to hear that things are more-or-less back to normal for you now, albeit being very careful what you eat.  I mainly had a Mediterranean diet before but definitely can't do that now, I tried a big salad and really paid for it within an hour.  I worry about getting back to healthy eating as I seem to exist on lots of carbs at the moment, but it is just anything to keep my bowels calm!  Thank you for your help.