1st week post treatment

Hi 

I’m now 2 months post treatment and I sympathise with your symptoms, I found if I poured water over the area as I went for a wee really helped. I also used aloe Vera gel kept in fridge and it really soothed the area. 
Im now back riding my horse and bike so things will start improving soon. 

Take care 

Hi BHS

thanks for getting in touch. I have been doing this and it eases it a little.  The burns seem to be quite far inside and in terms of gels etc, I don't know what I can use as I am prone to recurring UTI's. It's getting me down

Kindest regards 

Jacqui

Hi Jacqui (JG29 ),

I did exactly what BHS has suggested, I kept a jug of room temperature water by the loo & poured it over as I went for a wee, I also found washing easier than wiping after having a a broken glass poo! Once my side effects had reached their peak (around day 11 following my last treatment) I quickly noticed that the pooping situation started improving, don’t get me wrong it was still sometimes uncomfortable & I made sure I took stool softeners regularly but it was no longer like passing broken glass! You’ll find once you turn that corner that the new skin that replaces where the radiation burns are will form surprisingly quickly, once that happens the majority of that discomfort when having a wee will disappear.

Sending lots of healing thoughts your way. 

Nicola 

Thank you Nicola. I knew it was going to be tough but nothing prepares you for this. I would like to take a little walk outside whilst we have this beautiful weather but i have tried incontinence pads, pants etc and they feel like a brillo pad is rubbing on my skin. Roll on the next few weeks.

Kindest regards

Jacqui

Hello Jacqui

You really are at the sharp end of treatment right now and it is very very tough; like you I had open sores back to front and I despaired of ever having just a painful poo rather than an agonising one.  The problem (and hopefully it won't last much longer for you) is that the skin internally is burnt too and there isn't a lot you can do about that.  Have your treating team given you anything for the external sores?  What helped me was Flaminal Forte gel and Polymem dressings - and doing what I had to into a Sitzbath full of lukewarm water, somehow it hurts slightly less going under water.  And hopefully you are taking all the painkillers you can to help you get through this.

It will get better, truly, one day you will look back and think did I really go through that?

A gentle healing hug for now

Irene xx

Thank you Irene. This is much appreciated.  I had Flamigel, Flaminal Hydro and AquaMax. I am putting on the last 2 on all the time. I couldn't get Flaminal Forte as they said that is more for weeping sores. I had to stop using the Polymem dressing as it was really irritating my skin. I've been using a sitz bath and im having salted baths. It's the visits to the toilet that are just so painful front and back. Hopefully things start to improve over the next week and my bladder gets back to normal. 

Many thanks 

Jacqui

Hi Jacqui 

I have exactly the same. I finished treatment yesterday. I was Weeing in the shower but someone on here told me to buy a shewee, it makes a difference as the wee isn’t touching the poorly skin. I also put a barrier of medi honey in before going to the loo as it forms like an extra layer of skin. 
This is apparently the toughest part and should start to become easier in a couple of weeks. My oncology team did say to call them at any time (which is reassuring) and I find it comforting to know they are still there for me. 
I am using medi honey, aveeno and flaminal atm but my skin is exactly like yours. Don’t wear any underwear if possible, let the air get to the area. I also use QV wash in the shower/bath as it’s the most gentle for the area. Keep on top of pain relief too. I’m just getting though one day at a time but well done, all treatment is finished now and it will get better. 

Hi SarahLou 

I give up with underwear. I don't think I have worn any since treatment finished last week. I'm only wearing long nighties at the moment though I can't wait to get back into my pyjamas.  I have liquid morphine and co codamol but I will look into the medication honey for sure.

Thank you so much

Jacqui

I can’t wait to get back in my jammies either! 
I know it’s really hard but I find it comforting knowing that what we’re going through is ‘normal’ and quite common and won’t last forever. Just ordered some more really attractive long length nighties from Amazon! 
salt baths seem to be a popular choice here too. Soothes the area.  I hope you start to feel better very soon xxx 

Thank you so much and the same to you xx