Side effects seven months post treatment

Hello sp1993233875 

I am really sorry to hear your Mum still has issues.  I did too.  I dealt with my bowel issues by not going out in the morning until I had been at least two/three times and I was completely 'empty'.  I took Laxido daily as the thought of constipation horrified me, as my childbirth piles came back with a vengeance during treatment.  But this brought the problem of urgency to the fore.  Has your Mum mentioned the problems she has been having to her consultant?  Some hospitals (although not enough in my opinion) have a department that deals with radiotherapy side effects, it is definitely worth checking that out.

Just over two years after the end of treatment I had an elective stoma formed and that has changed my life for the better - it isn't completely care-free but it is a huge relief to know that with a bit of luck I won't be caught short again.  I don't have real bladder urgency (although I go far more frequently than before, day and night).

I do hope your Mum gets some real help - please let us know how she gets on.

Big hug to her (and you!)

Irene xx

Hi ! I’m 18 months post treatment and have had similar problems with urgency. I have been referred by my consultant for physiotherapy and have had one session. I have been given exercises to do and will see her again in 3 months. It’s all about strengthening the muscles in that area. I have been doing the exercises now for a month and I have definitely noticed an improvement. So my advice would be to get in touch with your consultant for a referral. 
love from Happyflower

Thanks so much Irene that’s so helpful as always! She has an appointment tomorrow with the consultant for 6 month scan results so she will raise it then. Thanks again and hope you’re doing well xx

Thanks that’s so helpful to know! I will make sure mum raises this referral with the doctors tomorrow when she has her appointment 

Hello Dan the man 

That is interesting, I will definitely mention that at my next appointment (not for some time, I must admit).  I think my problem is that as well as the severe stenosis I developed in my anal canal, it has also affected my urethra.  My urine flow has decreased drastically and I have had a couple of infections along the way.  What is putting me off is the thought of an examination of the urethra, one poor soul on here had one (for the same reason) and said it was extremely painful.  After all the treatment I have become a real wuss!

Irene xx 

Hi sp1993233875 ,

I'm sorry to hear that your mum is still suffering with bowel & bladder issues. Any urgency I suffered thankfully occurred first thing in the morning as soon as I was up & moving around & then I was generally done for the day but I have suffered bladder urgency & as soon ask as I need to pee I have to get there quickly, I can’t hold on for toffee! 

I would advise as others that this should be brought up with your mums consultant at her appointment as they may be able to offer some advice. Failing this my local health authority has a bladder & bowel service that you can self refer into, they deal with all kinds of issues bladder & bowel related, from what I understand they offer different kinds of help including exercise plans to help regain some control, I’m considering self referring for my bladder control. I’m not sure if this service is rolled out nationwide but it would be worth enquiring. 

I hope your mums appointment went well & her scan results were good.

Nicola 

Thanks so much! 

Hi .

I am 12 months on now, and tne difference from 7 months is quite amazing.

We are all different. Change of lifestyle and eating habits helped a lot.

I was told its a 2 year healing journey. So still very early days yet.

Good luck.

Thanks so much, that’s very encouraging! Any particular changes to eating habits that helped you? 

I did not eat breakfast. Just a protein drink ..if i knew i had to go out it was just a very light lunch. .once i had an evening meal i stayed home. Lots of drinking water too.