fifth week - pain management

I found that Morphine didn’t help me at all in any form. Instilagel gave me the best relief. The only thing is you have to be prepared and apply it to your skin just before you need to go. It acts as an anaesthetic and wears off in about 30 mins. Are you using any creams? I used Flamigel throughout and found it to be very good. Also use a stool softener as any constipation just makes matters worse.

My heart goes out to you, it’s just awful at that stage. It will get better- but yes I too was shouting all sorts in the loo and didn’t give a hoot who could hear me!

Hugs from Happyflower 

Hi Happyflower, I am starting my treatment next week thank you for sharing this valuable information which will help many of us  I know everyone is different but could you say how quickly the pain begins with radiotherapy x 

Yes, am using Flamigel, and Laxido to keep stools soft (though it tastes like wallpaper paste and makes me want to retch). I haven't been offered Instilagel, although we discussed the use of some sort of anaesthetic yesterday but without any outcome. The doctor seems to think that if he can just get the dose of morphine right this will sort things out, but I can see from online forums that other people say that it never makes a difference. I'm confused about what my expectations should be. 

Mine started half way through the fourth week. 

I should add that the ice trick works. Thank God I read about that in Colon Town. Grab some ice cubes, put them in some water and SQUEEZE them as hard as you can as the shit goes down. It confuses your brain as to where the pain is coming from and they sort of cancel eachother out. Swearing loudly at the same time works too. 

Hello Mirkle

I never found anything that really took the edge of bowel movements and regularly roared and drummed my feet when I was on the loo - my husband got used to the all the noises.  The only thing that helped slightly was going under water in the Sitzbath - my husband used to fill it with luke-warm water ready for me, it is easily emptied and disinfected.  I was giving Instigel but couldn't even insert the applicator but that may well help if you can manage.

I note that this is your first post and just wanted to welcome you to the forum, we are always here to offer support should you need it.  You will get there although it might not seem like it at the moment.

Gently healing hug

Irene xx

PS Try putting some squash in the Laxido, I did and it really helps.

I didn’t feel much at all until the middle of the 3 rd week- but remember everyone is different.

Happyflower xx

Thank you for your reply take care .

Hello Mirkle, welcome to the group. I also took morphine regularly with paracetamol and then ibuprofen two hours later which only take some of the pain off when opening bowels but did help with inflammation pain.. I can remember around the sixth week from treatment was when it started to hit me hard. I also got constipated due to not taking enough stool softeners and caused a fissure and you definitely don’t want one of those! I also used the sitz bath and sat in very warm water to help the pain. I would also sing as loud as I could in my head as I didn’t want to scare the neighbours. Unfortunately some of us do suffer more pain opening bowels due to where the tumour was and the treatment. But, it does get easier as time goes on. I didn’t find instagel numbing at all for some reason. I also watched my diet as what goes in has to come out and I ate very easy digestible small meals. Speak to your team and tell them you are struggling but if it is the same as me they cannot take the pain of bowel movement away totally and offer various creams to help the skin heal externally. Good luck

Julie

Hello Mirkle,

It sounds horrendous for you, but as Irene has suggested you might find it a touch easier to get a sitz bath and have BM into warm water. 

I'm not medical at all, but is there any chance the morphine is constipating you and making it more difficult to go?