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Bowel Problems After Radiation: What helps with loose bowels?
Several months ago, I received both surgery and radiation for a Stage 1 localized perianal cancer. The doctors are pleased with the outcome. However, I now have problems with my bowels. They are "loose" and feel lke an incomplete evacuation I've always had a prolem with constipation and take several OTC meds for that problem. My GI has adjusted these, hoping it will help. I'm trying to find a happy medium with them. Has anyone else had bowel problems and how did you deal with them? Did they ever go away?
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It is 8 years since radiation.The challenges stared reducing gradually every year. Though at times they come back to remind me to stay on track with my healthy life style.Comfortably uncomfortable:)
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1 ReactionSeveral years ago I had Urethra cancer, extreme radiation and chemo treatments in pelvic region . Yes, I had fecal incontinence or diarrhea continuously. And then came bowel adhesions and blockages. Ended up with colostomy still have diarrhea and occasional blockages but something I have to live with. I’m now 72 years old. Recently colon cancer.
Hi @magscratch, you might find the tips shared in this related discussion to be helpful:
- Living with long-term bowel side effects post anal cancer treatment https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/living-with-long-term-bowel-side-effects-post-anal-cancer-treatment/
- Uncontrollable loose bowels: When does it get better?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/uncontrollable-loose-motion/
Have things improved since your adjusted your over-the-counter medications?
I stopped the Colace (twice a day). My bowels are still loose but not as much. Really not too much change. I'm not incontinent and I am very gassy. I do feel as though my bowels are not emptying completely when I use the toilet. I am waiting to hear back from my GI re this update. I will also see the Oncology Surgeon next week for a checkup; I don't know how much info she can add (is this her department?), but I will address it. I always believe that, "Knowledge is Power and....It could be worse", so I'll get as much info as I can and accept what is.
Thank you so much for your messages. They mean a lot to me.
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1 ReactionJust came across this in MedPage about a clinical trial for fecal incontinence comparing biofeedback to an injection. Didn’t know there was an injection available. I am 7 months post treatment (radiation and capecitabine) for stage III. I am now beginning to stabilize somewhat, but have to be mindful of diet, time of day. Energy level is good, but have gained only 2lbs from 15 lost. This forum has helped me understand that while there are changes that I will have to live with, I AM getting better.
https://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(26)00746-9/abstract