I had rectal cancer 2 and a 1/2 years ago which thankfully was cured through surgery and I appreciate I am one of the lucky ones.How ever it has left my bowel in a terrible and painful state with a constant need to push and the need for manual evacuation and suppositories as it feels like i have a stick up my bottom. This isn't all the time but comes in waves but is restricting my life and seriously affecting my mental health. Has any one else experienced anything similar and do they have any tips. Also did Aqua flush help and how helpful was the hospital as I am not getting anywhere with them.Can you get an Aqua flush privately ? Thank you for reading this.
Hi verity1
I am sorry to hear that your previous treatment for rectal cancer has left you with some troubling side effects.
I had radiotherapy and chemotherapy and surgery for endometrial cancer in 2022. I have lasting side effects from the treatments and I can understand that your effects are having an effect on your daily life and that this is effecting your mental health also.
I am sorry that your hospital is not helping. I wonder if it is worth contacting your GP? When my treatment ended my paperwork went to my GP and it had a long list of different scenarios and where my GP could directly refer me for help. One of these was a Late Effects clinic at my local hospital. It was specifically for people who had had cancer and were still having effects from the treatments. I did ask what would happen and was told that it would be a full check up, possible scans and then referral to other consultants as needed. I wonder if it is worth you asking whether you can be referred for support.
This link may also be helpful.
Long term effects | Treatment | About bowel cancer | Bowel Cancer UK
I do not know about the Aqua Flush but if you did manage to get support from a Late effects clinic then I am sure that it is something they would know about. Alternatively you could give the Support Line a call and talk with one of our nurses.
I hope this helps a bit. I can understand that the bowel effects can be hard to deal with but often there are things that can help.
Jane
