Toilet pain

Hello Feather 653

I am over two years out and can honestly say my bowel movements are never entirely comfortable - not terribly painful but neither are they the same as they were BC.  At 14 weeks out I was definitely still experiencing pain, not as immediately after radiotherapy but not at all comfortable.  Which prompts the question, are you constipated?  If I ever pass a hard stool it is definitely painful and accompanied by some fresh blood, I avoid this normally as I still have a daily dose of Laxido to keep my stools soft and very skinny (I have anal stenosis).  The new skin externally and internally is very fragile and even a small hard stool hurts.  I would mention it at your next check-up if it is still painful.  In fact if you are worried about it, give a member of your treating team a ring and talk it through with them, they are normally very responsive and can put your mind at rest, or see you sooner.

Best of luck!

Irene xx

Hi Feather 653

it is as Irene says.  I'm just coming up to 1 year post and clear of the cancer at moment and I still rely on Laxido and occasionally also use Loperamide when things go too far the other way.  Its a constant juggling act. If I'm slightly constipated then I get bleeding - from the scars tearing I guess.  I have slight anal stenosis they said and it means the days of easy toileting are over.  Try not to strain - use stool softeners and let gravity do the work! I think the damage done by radiotherapy is quite extensive for most but its the cost of being cancer free I think. Frustrating.  Tell the oncologist at the next appointment.  Also think about your diet.  What I eat has a huge impact and as I said, its a juggling act.  Take care x

HI Feather,

I'm 2 years out and I still can't use toilet paper. I take stool softeners every day but still get occasional pain and bleeding, and always have to use the bidet or cleansing lotion when I move my bowels. 

I'd hoped to return to a Normal Butt, but thus far, I still have a very High Maintenance Butt.

That being said, things are still way better than prior to my diagnosis, and to the recovery period after treatment. 

I still hope for Normalcy but have had my expectations sharply readjusted.

Hugs

Suz

Hi, I think some find it helpful to open your bowels into warm water by using a sitz bath which fits over the loo seat. Maybe someone on here has tried this?

Thanks so much for all your comments. The pain is not so bad that I would need to do that. Its just a short, sharp pain at the very start of the bowel movements often accompanied by a small bleed. It's not so much the pain as the fear that iteans recurrence which is the issue. Tha is so much for your responses xx