Incontinence after treatment

Hello Suki 

I am sorry to hear that you are having these problems, and can completely understand why, when you have undergone all the treatment and all that it entails, you are reluctant to give up small pleasures.  I certainly haven't!

I had problems after treatment ended.  I developed anal stenosis which meant that it was difficult to pass firm stools and so a daily Laxido combined with prune juice was my morning routine.  I didn't leave the house until 1-2pm and I was 'empty', having had two/three loose bowel movements.  So then I would be able to carry on my day, mostly as normal, but on a few occasions had urgency again when I was out, fortunately on all these occasions I was able to access a loo quickly and averted disaster.  If I was out for a long period I would wear incontinence pants 'just in case' although I never actually needed them.

In June 2024 I had an elective stoma, if I am honest I can't say it has solved all my problems and the new ones are stoma-related, however I am definitely not limited to the extent that I was before.  But if you don't have stenosis it is quite a radical step.

Some members on here have had some success with the Fodmap diet which might be worth considering, especially as it may well not be coffee/tea/alcohol that causes your upsets.

Bowel disruption can be a lot to deal with after treatment, and you have my best wishes that you can find some resolution.

Big hug, Suki. 

Irene xx

Thanks for your  comments Irene . It’s very helpful to hear of your experience and particularly to feel your kindness. Your stoma puts my problems in perspective. Im lucky to have good support at my local hospital  ( appointment due early next month). I think I did have a lot of confidence that it would all get better in time as the body healed.  I will have a look at the fodmap diet.  Hug to you too.

Hi Suki 

Im furthur along than you, coming up 14 months post. I had some accidents post treatment and the last one was about a month ago things are improving i just think its a slow process, my oncologist isnt worried so i just have to be patient. As Irene75359 has mentioned the FOD map diet, ive seen a few on here use it with sucess, so maybe worth a look. Xx

Hi Suki, I’m 13 months post treatment and have had this problem from time to time. My consultant recommended taking Imodium if I’m travelling or staying away as the thought of having an accident was making me anxious. She also said pelvic floor exercises would help. I know that Imodium isn’t a solution but it can provide some peace of mind.

Wising you all the best for your total recovery

Happyflower

1. Thanks Bungle1, thats really encouraging. 

Thanks Dan the Man, Ive got an overnight-stay away coming up so I will try Imodium. It’s been a lesson to me how much all this stuff knocks my confidence - so this is helpful. Wishing you a total recovery too.

Hope it works for you and yes , I know what you mean about confidence being knocked, it really does get better though.

Hugs

Happyflower

Dan the man is confusing but don’t seem to be able to shake it off- some years ago I joined a forum for prostate cancer on behalf of of my husband and the name seems to have followed me here

Hi Suki , I’m really sorry you’ve this ongoing issue, you’re doing everything right in keeping a food diary etc., & it sounds like you’ve already identified some of the culprits. The FODMAP diet is pretty restrictive to start with but some people report having some success with it.

Don’t be afraid to use the likes of Imodium if it takes the stress out of being away from home.

It’s good that you’re getting support from your local hospital, I found out from a nurse at my GP’s surgery some time ago that our local health authority has a bladder & bowel service that you can self refer into, I hadn’t a clue that this service even existed! 

I hope your upcoming appointment is able to offer you a solution. 

Nicola 

 Suki 

Your problems aren't diminished in any way by mine so please, please, don't invalidate your own feelings.  You are totally right in feeling frustrated and I am really pleased that you have good support at your local hospital; I have too and cannot speak too highly of the exemplarily care I have had with them.

Keep us posted!

Irene xx

Thanks HappyFlower for the clarification of name. I like both.