Bowel issues after radiation

If you haven’t or don’t want to see a gastroenterologist (unless you already did with the colonoscopy to rule out other conditions?), then a few other non-medication interventions that are evidenced-based that I tried were: pelvic physical therapy, seeing a GI dietician, and working with a GI psychologist (they’re difficult to find, but you can also find books about mind-body interventions to address the brain/gut connection and improve symptoms).

I wasn’t aware, but pelvic PTs have a lot of knowledge about bowel issues and can especially help with constipation.

I take Sunfiber (the generic I take is by Heathy Origins), which has been shown to help both constipation and diarrhea and it’s well tolerated with IBS. It dissolves in liquid and has no taste.

However, I haven’t had radiation. I do struggle with constipation and less commonly, diarrhea.

I have attached a journal article that addresses the effects of radiation therapy on the gut micrbiome. You may want to have your stool checked for not only pathogens, but also to see the profile of existing beneficial bacteria. I went through bouts of diarrhea for years after taking a strong antibiotic. It took about 6 months of probiotics and fiber to help. Prior to that, Immodium was my best friend. Radiation induced intestinal injury should be addressed as a part of any treatment protocol. Best wishes for your recovery.

I had problems after my radiation also, I now have proctitus from the radiation on and on. My husband and i are now eating 4 prunes a day and I take a stool softener these seem to help.