I did not have a colectomy, but I have the uncontrolled poops from pelvic radiation. My treatments ended last October so it has been seven months. Goes from constipation, tenesmus, to diarrhea. Wash, rinse repeat on no set schedule. I think I find the perfect food combination, then my body wants a change.

There is also a mental aspect- I am at the stage where I find it challenging but am grateful the cancer is gone and can be a bit cheeky about it; but there are times when I backslide to the “why me, what did I do wrong” where I get down and wonder why I did the treatments. Not to mention the embarrassment and social isolation and grumpiness.

Two useful things (at least temporarily) are pelvic floor exercises, therapy if you are able and I just started lomotil (for the current diarrhea phase).

Period underwear are useful for containment and dignity.

Sorry I prefer the poops to bowel movements, but an important point is that you have to be able to explain your symptoms to your medical staff. As an aside, does anyone know of a post-cancer digestion specialist? I am exploring the possibility of assembling a medical group that includes specialists- psychologists, nutritionalists, physical therapists, gastroenterologists only for post cancer people’s.