My mum - Concerned about down below!

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's pain and discomfort. I'm about 10 days behind your mom, and this week I've noticed a substantial increase in what feels like excruciating sunburn on my bottom and vaginal area too. The doctor today prescribed a mild opioid in case I need it to sleep. Last night I was pretty miserable and only got a few hours. Does your mom have a oxycodone or something similar for pain? I gather it's not unusual to need it for a few weeks at the end of treatment and afterwards. I'm sure you'll get some good suggestions here. I'll just add that warm sitzbaths have done me the most good so far. Wishing your mom the best.

Hello Robyn 

Your poor Mum, she really is at the sharp end of the treatment now and if she is in this much pain I hope that she has an adequate supply of very strong painkillers.  I took everything going at this point, I had Oramorph syrup and also morphine capsules (co-codamol didn't help). It is important that the medication is taken regularly to avoid breakthrough pain.  And please don't forget Laxido to take alongside any opioids to avoid constipation.   I also had open sores back to front and used the Flamigel Hydro in conjunction with Polymem dressings, thin foam squares that I cut to size and put on top of the gel.

With luck, this intense period shouldn't last more than another week or so, it's just getting through it, and yes, unfortunately for some people (but certainly not all) this is their reaction to the radiotherapy.

She needs to be very kind to herself, it is all about rest and recuperation and I am so pleased she has you looking out for her.

Gentle hug to you both

Irene xx

Oh bless your mum..

The pain at this stage really is horrid..

I kept ontop of the oramorph..and also used the instillagel to numb down below..

I also found using a shewee was easier for me so tge broken skin didn't hurt as much.. it was also easier to wee with a full bladder so plenty Robinson barley water..

No she is finished tge radiotherapy..I found bepanthen was the best cream to use..its a few pounds at most stores or savers.. it was for me a magic cream..

The 2 weeks after really are the worst.. but it does better better pretty quick after that..

Im sending lots of positive thoughts ️ 

Hi Robyn , I’m so sorry your poor mum is suffering so much at the moment, all I can say is it will get better soon. 

My side effects peaked around day 11 post treatment & during those 11 days I was either in bed, laying on the sofa or in an Epsom salt bath, the bath was where I was at my most comfortable. 

Contact your mums treating team if her pain relief isn’t adequate & see if they can offer an alternative. I see Irene has offered some advice about the dressings & creams it would be worth enquiring about these too. 

Once healing begins it does happen surprisingly quickly, this was the case with me at least. I do hope your mum turns a corner soon. 

Nicola 

I feel for your mum as this stage is very painful but please ensure her that it does heal and does start getting better after finishing treatment. I found that weeing into a sitz bath full of water really helped me.