Soreness

Hi ,

I don’t use a flannel, sponge etc., in the shower, just some of the aqueous cream in my hand, I feel this way as well as being more comfortable it would alert me to any changes as in new lumps or bumps etc., any abrasion on that new skin can aggravate & start me itching!  

Nicola 

I have so much scar tissue down there where,  what I thought were warts on the skin,  were that I shudder when I touch them anyway so try to avoid.  Being in denial works best for my peace of mind.

I just use either a jug of water and my hand or the shower head and my hand. I try loo paper from time to time but it feels like sandpaper.

Don't tell others!  Haven't used soap or any form of cleanser on my bottom since May 2014!  Tried 0% baby wipes when having treatment but when they could sting.  Use baby cotton wool pads and just water in the shower since then.  Tend to wait until after a BM in the morning before showering.  Not a problem at 73 since I don't have to leave for work (apologies to all who still have to work).  Can now tolerate gentle wiping with very soft toilet tissue (sorry if too much information but we have to tell it like it is.). Have Dermol 500 lotion for the thin, fragile skin on my nether regions (prescribed by the lymphodoema clinic, which can also be used as an emmolient instead of soap when washing!

On the subject of seeing in the night, I was going every one to two hours and felt worn out (let alone with a baby to contend with).  Had been a tea drinker, a lot in the morning and another four cups during the day.  My consultant (not knowing that I only drank tea!) told me to switch to decaffeinated coffee.  Started drinking it about 3 years ago, but still don't enjoy it as much as tea, but a few months later I was only asking for a wee about 5am and then slept through til 9 am.  Was told that caffeine stimulates the bladder.  Who am I to argue, it might be 'mind over matter' but it has worked for me.  Expect the same outcome might be had from decaffeinated tea, but I don't like the taste of it!

Will try to stop being so vociferous in the future, but feel an urge to reply to others on this site who are worrying to reassure them that there is light at the end of the tunnel of treatment.  Only joined June 2018 to find if there were any others who had been through the same as me cos never encountered anyone else on my journey, but wished I had had a kindred spirit to share my journey with.  To all starting, the journey is much more manageable than you think.  Over quicker than you would have believed, and the memories disappear very quickly once you start feeling back to the new normal.  For now. Mxx

Thank you Happylady (and others) for your comments about soreness.

I remember being reassured previously when you wrote about this some time on from treatment.   I am two and a half years on now and no longer have MRIs just 6monthly examinations with my colorectal consultant.

I still experience some soreness at times and keep the Sudocrem people going!   I also have a little blood occasionally when wiping but this seems to be the norm with the fragile, radiated skin

My husband and I were talking about this only yesterday and saying how difficult it is to talk about!   If someone asks how you are on a 'sore day' you are always 'fine'.   If you have any problems elsewhere you can mention it but just imagine if you were really honest and said  'well I've got a sore bottom ' !!!

That's why it's so good to come on her and talk about it!