Bowel issues after anal cancer treatment: Had the interstim procedure?

Posted by geriincary @geriincary, Oct 6, 2023

After anal cancer treatment (radiation and chemo) I am having trouble with my bowels. Going to the bathroom 3-4 times a day. Have had physical therapy (pelvic floor) didn't seem to help. This procedure is an insertion of a wire and a pacemaker kind of devise to help control the muscles near the rectum.

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geriincary | @geriincary | Oct 28 5:21pm

You got it. I stay close to the bathroom every morning. A gastroenterologist prescribed amitriptyln . Off use. It seemed to help for awhile. but then nothing and my gp said it could cause memory problems. So that's where I am at. My surgeon that followed my treatment (no surgery) referred me to the Cleveland Clinic but I live in the Chicago area. Thanks for the info.

Cathy | @njzmom | Oct 29 9:35am

I’ve had bowel incontinence for years. Had my Interstim put in in January after what we thought was a really successful trial. I’m afraid it hasn’t really helped. I have cycled through many many settings and the only thing I can say is that it has made me even more aware of how little time (seconds) I have to get to the bathroom on time. I am currently on a program where the device is turned off for 23 hours and then comes on once a day - no real difference. The thing that seems to be helping the most is trying to make my bowels VERY regular - frustrating problem to be sure.
Providers are kind, but they always say the same things “don’t give up” “everyone is different” “we have other programs to try” . . .