Another newbie to the Group

Hi Martin

I can't comment on the proctitis, however the fatigue will be due to the RT and HT. The 2 together hit me really hard too. The good news is that the RT effect will ease off, fairly quickly, as time goes by. The HT effect, I was told, lasts for as long as you are on it - it does ease off though.

Exercise was the recommended way to combat the fatigue. Sounds counter intuitive, but getting outside and doing anything - walking, pottering in the garden, swimming etc - will help. All I wanted to do, when I got back from the hospital, was crash out on the sofa though, so I can understand your frustration.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Stuart

Hello Martin. After my R. T. I developed Proctitis, (urgency, bleeding, mucus and pain.) It was very life restricting. I was desperate and finally go a referal to a Gastrologist. Waited 8 months for an appt. Also an expensive time as pads from Continence service were no good so had to buy my own. Gastrologist suggested a new treatment - 4 Sigmoidoscopies at 4 weeks apart and 'Purastat' inserted into the lining of the bowel. Purastat is an Haemostatic agent to reduce bleeding. 1 to 2 mls are inserted into the rectum during the procedure. After the 4th the symptoms subsided including the bleeding. I also enrolled on the Colo-Spirit reserch study (Newcastle University) about the experinces and management of Proctitis. It is worth mentioning to your Oncologist.

I also got the Macmillan small 'toilet' plastic card to show businesses, shops if there are no public toilets around when out. It is discreet and during that time I used it and found it helpful as urgency was a big problem.

Hope things improve for you. Best wishes, Graham. 

Hi Martin

Should have said, the Cancer Nurse Specialist at your hospital, is probably a better bet than your GP to help with your symptoms.

Regards

Stuart

Thanks for the advice. I havevfound that to be the case as well

 Cancer specialist nurse prescribed liquid morphine and suppositories which have both helped with the discomfort

Martin

Thanks for sharing your experience which is much worse than mine

 I  don't have bleeding but a constant feeling as if I want to poo.  This isn't the case and I currently alternate between constipation and diarrhoea.  I also experience spasms which can be untimely and unpleasant.

However I am here and hopefully things will improve

Regards

Martin

Thank-you Stuart. Your comments are much appreciated