Bowel problems after radiotherapy

Hi , I didn’t have radiotherapy but i do suffer long term bowel damage from surgery and the cancer, I found i have to take long term mavicol, but i find peppermint tea gently relaxes the bowel and makes it a bit more comfortable too. I am sure others who have have bowel problems after radiotherapy will be along very soon thought but thought I would pass on my little tip. Do hope your bowel and digestion settles down soon for you.

I had internal and external RT and for a while after the treatment I experienced problems with urgency after meals, looseness and wind.  This meant I was reluctant to eat out, particularly before a theatre visit.   I  kept to a fairly bland diet for a bit.  Gradually the situation improved and I could return to the spicy food I loved!    It was five years ago so I can't be sure but I think that by 6 or 9 Months I could feel confident again to  return to my usual activities.  I do have some bladder issues but I think my age (82) has something to do with that!  So as long as you have checked with your medical team  that there is nothing otherwise amiss, it is probably a matter of being patient and kind to yourself. . 

Hi Nannasuki,

I haven't any tips for you, but have seen what radiotherapy can do to healthy flesh!! 14 years ago my husband had an operation, then radiotherapy for throat cancer. A year later, after months of coughing, the consultant decided that the only thing to do was to take out his larynx as the radiotherapy had damaged it. Although he then improved he couldn't talk for 4 months, and his neck was very, very slow to heal up. I was at the point of thinking it never would. They said the poor healing was due to the radiotherapy affecting the neck tissues. His neck took a year and a half to heal up fully after his second operation.

So, I would say be patient and report everything to your team. They came up with new ideas to help him nearly every week, but I think in the end it was just time to heal up. He is still around, so worth the hassle at the time. xxx

Thanks ladies!  I'm seeing my consultant today so hopefully she'll be able to clarify things for me. I guess it will settle down in time!

Hi Nannasuki, 

Bumped into your messages. I am going to start radiotherapy soon. I am very worried about the side effects. 

How are you now? Grateful if you could tell me more about your experience. 

Hope you are happy n well!

Best wishes, 

Chui