Pain

Hi AnaC-C,

Sorry to hear that you're in a bit pain and discomfort - can you speak to your colorectal nurses for advice? You shouldn't have to suffer pain.

Linda

Thanks Linda. I shall call and see what can be done. 

Hi Ana

I am  sorry to hear that you are experiencing pain from your coccyx when you are lying down can I suggest that if you are (trying) to sleep on your back that you place a pillow under your knees to lift your bottom up slightly, if you have by chance a rubber ring available that you could place under your bottom.

You don't mention if you are taking any painkillers, if not I would suggest speaking to local pharmacists and getting some over the counter painkillers. (I can only suggest this and not advise you as I'm not medically trained).

I'm a bit concerned that you taking "everyday" laxatives and you're having toilet feeling often but hardly passing anything, how long have you been experiencing this as you may need to speak to a doctor about this. Do you have any other symptoms like pain in your abdomen, feel bloated or have a hard stomach.

You need to be stress free and feeling reasonably good for the commencement of your radiotherapy. 

Wish you well for the start of your treatment.

Ian

Hi Ian

yes I am taking Zapain. I get gassy but that’s about it. If I double up on the laxatives, then I am able to go. How I wish I could just go once and completely drain. I sometimes feel like I am also having difficulty peeing. Or is it because I’m just trying to concentrate too much on my bowels.

Hi Ana

Your bowels and bladder are very close together and it could be that because you are constipated pressure is being put on your bladder by your bowels and stopping you passing water. 

My only suggestion to you is that you drink at least 2 litres of fluid per day to try and push things through you bowels.

Ian

I’m drinking so much water and sometimes feel like water is going to come out of my ears and eyes already I noticed though that if I eat polo mint candies my stomach settles a bit.  I don’t want to eat much during meals so I don’t get the pain or the feeling of pressure on the tumor. I try to just have soup to avoid the pain but then again I get so hungry. What should I do. To eat or not to eat. 

As polo mint candies help to settle your stomach you might want to try drinking peppermint tea during the day.

Obviously you should keep eating but instead of a few largish meals a day could you manage quite a few small meals per day maybe about 6

You should avoid Red meats processed foods and fatty foods.

A diet is very much an individual thing and a plan for you may not suit the next person 

A diet comprising Insoluble fibre bulks up poo and helps it move through the gut more quickly. This may help prevent constipation. Good sources of insoluble fibre include wholegrains such as brown rice, wheat and spelt as well as nuts, seeds, potatoes in skins and dried figs..

This publication maybe of interest to you

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/EatingWell_BowelCancerUK.pdf

Ian

Thanks Ian I will definitely look at the link you sent. I really appreciate your giving of advice. Makes me feel better

Anna, you are very welcome that's what I'm here for to give advice, help and support.

Please keep in touch with me and let me know how you are getting on

Ian

I can’t thank you enough. I will let you know how things are going that’s for sure