One year on

8 replies
119 subscribers
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Hi all , I’ve had some great advice since joining a year ago so thank you . It’s now been a year since my resection and mop up chemo and first check up scans etc are clear ( thank goodness ) I’m slowly getting used to my new normal . I’m still quite anxious about being away from home , from my toilet , in fact I still haven’t spent a whole day away yet . I’m normally okay in the morning and usually have a bowel movement before I go out , then I’m good until after lunch but then that’s when I start getting the feeling I need to go (and usually do), and get progressively windy up until tea time . After I’ve eaten I’m straight on the loo again and after that the wind is so bad I can’t always control it . If I carry on like this I’ll never be able to go out in the evening . I guess my question is …. Is it still early days or is this the way it’s going to be ? I guess I’m just lacking in confidence and maybe if I venture out it’ll get better .
Thanks for reading , love Nel x

Gemmary over 3 years ago

Hi, NellyB, it might be that you have LARS? Low anterior resection syndrome? I assume you had rectal cancer? You have no info on your profile. I have been diagnosed with this in a more minor way than yours. I suggest you speak to your collectoral nurse and discuss.

Some might be your confidence. Can you arrange to go to, say a country park in the afternoon? Knowing there is a loo about, but being outdoors it won't matter about the wind? Borrow a dog and blame that!!!

Not sure what else to suggest!! Take care!

NellyB over 3 years ago in reply to Gemmary

Hi Gemmary , thanks for your reply. Sorry yes , rectal cancer T2 N1 . I have a bit of rectum left apparently so I can hold on for a while it’s just the wind . I do have a dog but even he looks at me in disgust LOL !! . That’s a good idea suggesting a country park . We have a lovely Manor House ne’er by so could venture there . I shall also give my colorectal nurse a ring and see what she can suggest , many thanks X

Gemmary over 3 years ago in reply to NellyB

Did you manage to contact your nurse? Hopefully they had some suggestions!

NellyB over 3 years ago in reply to Gemmary

Hi Gemmary , not yet . I’ve got an endoscopy booked in on Friday because I still have bad acid reflux from chemo . I’m going to get that out the way first , hopefully when that is sorted I will concentrate on my bowel problems . God it just seems one thing after another Lol . Colorectal nurse is the first person on my list on Monday XX

Gemmary over 3 years ago in reply to NellyB

Hope today went ok!?

NellyB over 3 years ago in reply to Gemmary

Hi Gemmary, thank you so much for asking . It went well . It was all clear which is a huge relief. I really thought those chemo tablets had damaged my insides . Trouble is every ache and pain worries me now . Also because I wasn’t allowed to eat anything before the procedure I didn’t have any bad wind or stomach issues all evening , even after my evening meal . I think I will start making a food diary and maybe cut things out which could be triggers . It’s all a learning curve isn’t it ?
love Nelly X

Aldan over 3 years ago in reply to NellyB

After the removal and reversal That's me on The reflux tables for the rest of my life .What's 2tablets in the morning after what we went through I'm the same with the ache and pain .I had to take pain killers. I remember an old friend telling me she doesn't take them because how would she know if she was still in pain. care of yourself . Alaine

NellyB over 3 years ago in reply to Aldan

Hi Alaine, thank you so much for your reply. I’ve just had a endoscopy on Friday and all was clear which is a great relief . Your right , a couple of tablets a day after what we’ve had to endure is doable for sure. I think I was worried I was masking a bigger problem. Every ache and pain I get now I think my cancers back lol , Now I know I’m clear I’m quite happy to take omeprazole. ( bowel cancer is the gift that keeps on giving )

Take care , love Nelly XX