Pain issues

Hello MaryV 

I am so sorry that you have found yourself here and to hear of your diagnosis.  Unfortunately some GPs are slow on the uptake and far too many are initially diagnosed with haemorrhoids.  I understand about the constipation and it would be a good idea to try Laxido (which is very gentle) daily to ease your pain.

And when you see the consultant next week, please tell him/her about your level of pain, they may be able to offer something stronger to help, just be aware that most stronger painkillers cause constipation and it can be a case of balancing stool softeners in order to keep bowel movements comfortable.

Please come back and tell us how you get on next week, and when treatment starts.  This is an extremely supportive forum and there is always someone who can help, and don't ever worry about what you talk about on here - we have heard and experienced it all.

Hoping everything starts moving for you very quickly.

Big hug

Irene xx

Hi Mary,

This is awful for you, and I well remember it. I think I was using some analgesic cream and a gauze pad stuffed between my bottom cheeks to try and get some relief and thinking I just can't bear this any more, so I understand how you must be feeling. It may not help you right now but I found after just a couple of sessions of radiotherapy the pain just disappeared, so hopefully this will be the same for you and you can feel a bit of optimism for the future. Once you see the oncologist you will start to feel at least treatment is on the way; make sure you talk to him about your pain and discomfort.

But that doesn't help you at all right now, so I think you can take paracetamol and ibuprofen by staggering the times you take them, so you can take paracetamol, then 2 hours later you can take ibuprofen, so you are topping up your pain relief every two hours instead of every four. You can also take codeine as well  if you need it. Have a look on line and check it for yourself as I am not medically qualified in any way. The Boots website has a bit about it, for instance.

You might also find a little heat helps, so I don't know if you can hold a hot water bottle or heat pad on your bottom and see if that soothes you a bit.

I hope your appointment goes well and you get started on treatment soon. Please come back and let us know. xxx

Hi

So sorry your are going through this. Now you have been diagnosed hopefully all your treatment 0lan and start date is very close..

Unfortunately for me my gp and hospital where so slow and misdiagnosed for so long..

I lived on codeine and naproxen..to manage the pain.. 

But like a few people have said the painkillers  can cause constipation..so try to drink plenty fluids..

Just to give you a little better news.. after a few weeks of the radiotherapy the pain down below subsided...

Please keep us all updated and please come on here with any questions..there will always be someone who can help 

X

Hi MaryV ,

Another warm welcome from me to the MacMillan Online Community although I’m really sorry that you’ve had the need to find us.

I see you’ve had some great responses to your post already & I echo all that’s been said especially regarding seeking alternative pain relief & making sure you’re prescribed stool softeners alongside any stronger pain killers to relieve the constipation they so often cause, something like movicol or laxido. 

I hope you get to see your consultant soon but your GP will be able to offer more adequate pain relief until then. 

We’re here to help support you however we can.

Nicola 

Many thanks for replying that’s so kind of you. Good to know there is a light at the end of all this. 
mary

So sad to hear of the delayed response to your pain & concerns. I did have the good fortune to have a GP that recommended Acupuncture at a specific local clinic near me. The herbs they recommended prior to treatment starting were horrid tasting, but my oncology teamed were amazed with my ease in radiology & chemo. 

Another help from Acupuncturist was suggesting sitz bath several times daily.  10 -15 mins ea, which i initially seemed impossible to fit in my schedule.  Soon though it was such a welcome respite from the pain. I conti ued thru most of radiation as well.

Take Care of YOU, & listen to your bodies wisdom. 

*t