Hi Guys,
I know how lucky I am to be out the other side, I finished on Christmas Eve. But how long does the pooing broken glass pain last ?
xx
My recovery period was very much like Bungle’s. I know we are all different . Fingers crossed your recovery will be quick. I’m 4 weeks post treatment and feel as if it all had never happened- well almost. I was very careful what I ate the first 2 weeks but after that have been eating normally. The worst thing for me was radiation cystitis- but now that has gone.
Hope all will be well with you too
Happyflower xx
Hello JET1414
I was one of the ones where the side effects carried on for some time afterwards, but don't be guided by my experience! I already had piles that were inflamed and I think I must have had extremely broken internal skin. I am not sure what sort of painkillers you are on but it is important that you don't become constipated (opioid drugs cause constipation). In a week or so you will see a gradual improvement, and well done for getting through the course.
I am really sorry if you spent your Christmas loo visits drumming your heels and moaning - it isn't as if you can stop the 'traffic' in that area. I am hoping you have a really quick recovery.
Gentle healing hug
Irene xx
I finished Christmas Eve too so am thinking the same. I was told the two weeks after treatment was the worst and then things should improve. I’m taking regular morphine but I don’t feel confident driving when taking that so I was hoping to wean myself off that very soon! Id be interested to know when others reduced their pain relief?
Heather
I couldn't get the balance right between the morphine with the stool softener and after becoming really constipated, three weeks after treatment ended, I literally stopped overnight. (I am not advising this, you are supposed to taper down). From thereon I relied on over-the-counter meds. The oncologist tried to persuade me to take it again as passing stools was still very painful but I resisted and it gradually became easier. I can't remember when I started driving again, probably not for a few weeks after the end of treatment.
I was having dizzy turns and when I had a check-up with one of the oncologists she took my blood pressure and it was 90/55 - at that point I stopped taking my blood pressure tablets for borderline high blood pressure immediately! She said you might never have to take medication again and she was right - my blood pressure hovers around 105/60 now. I mention this in case you take blood pressure medication.
I would suggest don't drive until you feel confident. Even now, near three years down the line, I don't drive quite as much as I used to, I struggle to get comfortable in the driver's seat if I am there for long periods.
But isn't it wonderful not having to do the daily trips anymore?!
Irene xx
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007