Anal itching years later

Hello! I'm also coming up to 7 years and yep exactly the same. I did wonder if I'd written this post lol!! Every now again I get itching and soreness, sometimes a bit of bleeding after bowel movements from fissures, sometimes an ache like toothache in my bum, and general pain flare ups sitting down etc.  Each time I send myself into a tailspin and often go see the Dr for a quick internal exam.  Within a couple of weeks it settles again!! I'm trying to learn not to panic but its never easy. I tell myself I as long as its all normal then its fine and it'll go again and I too am very grateful! 

Obviously it goes without saying, do go get checked if you're worried, but yep what you've described is definitely the same for me.

Deb x 

So interesting to hear your symptom of aching like a toothache. My treatment finished at the end of November and I had my first post treatment scans yesterday - won’t get results for a few days. But I have developed exactly that kind of aching on the opposite side to where the tumour was - your description of what I’m feeling is spot on! Hoping to find out that it’s nothing to worry about. Trouble is, I’m finding out that we have to get used to the new normal, and that seems to be changing all the time! 

Hello Questions123 Debh1  

Unfortunately some of us (but not all) never go back to exactly how we were and have a new 'norm' that includes all the things you list.  Out of your list I have all plus bladder problems (I think I have stenosis of the uretha).  Of course anyone at all who is worried should have a check-up at their doctor or mention their concerns to their treating team at their next appointment, but after a cancer diagnosis and treatment the new norm often includes a lack of confidence in our body.  When I was diagnosed I was in complete shock; I was so fit, ate really well, hiked miles and wasn't phased by hard physical work.  My smugness came back and bit me on the bum - literally!

I would stress again if there is anything anyone is really worried about, please do follow it up.

Irene xx

Hi Questions123 , our timeline is similar, I’ll be 8 years out of treatment this June & I can appreciate your issues. I don’t have skin tags & the bleeding with bowel movements only happens once in a while now but my skin definitely still get irritated. I have to be really careful about which toilet paper I use, it has to be unscented (that’s a bit of a minefield in itself!) I can also only wash the area with aquamax cream, even the gentlest of body washes cause me major irritation. If my skin flares up I tend to use sudocrem which calms things down within a day or two. I’ve actually just had a couple of days where I’ve been quite sore. Like Irene I’ve also either developed a very sensitive bladder or my pelvic floor is completely shot! As has already been said just pop to your GP if you’re overly concerned, the peace of mind will definitely be worth it. 

Nicola 

Thank you so much for your response. I have my yearly check with GI in June. May bump up the appointment to May, just for peace of mind.