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Help needed for possible bowel issue post radiation

Posted by dave1957 @dave1957, Aug 21 5:10pm

Several months ago I underwent 6 weeks of daily radiation treatment for prostate cancer. During that period I was required to have a full bladder and empty bowel prior to each treatment. As it threw my normal routine off I had to use laxatives, enemas etc. to achieve this result. Shortly after my treatments ended I found myself having trouble with a normal bowel movement. I would wake up in the night with sharp pain in my right side which improved after a bowel movement. Shortly after I developed a severe case of shingles with the highest concentration on my right side. This involved some of the worst pain I have ever experienced. During this time I was still dependent on laxatives. MY PCP blamed the pain on the shingles and discounted any possible bowel problems. The shingles eventually cleared up but the side pains still continue as does my dependence on laxatives. I have made an appointment with a gastroenterologist, but it is over 2 months away. During my last colonoscopy about 5 years ago I was told there was a slight kink in my intestines which has caused me some issues over the years. but nothing of this nature. I am taking fiber, probiotics and mineral oil but have been unable to have a normal BM without at least some laxatives a day. The pain still persists but is better once I have a BM. I am worried there is some type of obstruction or inflammation but don't know what to do since my appointment is still 2 months off. I also have been told I cannot have another colonoscopy until at least a year after my radiation treatments. Any suggestions on what I may be dealing with and how I can treat the issue on my own until my appointment would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure taking laxatives daily is not healthy longterm. It has been a heck of a year with one problem after another and am trying to regain my health. I saw my PCP again today and he insists that the pain is residual effects of my shingles. Thank you for any assistance in advance!

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dave1957 | @dave1957 | Aug 26 9:36am
In reply to @skim3737 "I also had radiation treatment 26 years ago for cervical cancer at the age of 30..." + (show)
@skim3737

I also had radiation treatment 26 years ago for cervical cancer at the age of 30 and began having bowel issues within weeks. Now at the age of 56 I have had 3 surgeries for bowel obstructions with 2 to remove part of the intestines and one to clip scar tissue. I am back to being full of scar tissue and I also have strictures and dilated loops in my bowels but Dr doesn't want to do anymore surgery unless it's an emergency. If you suspect that you might have a partial obstruction or stricture/narrowing in the intestines, please look up low residue diet. Anything that is hard to digest, such as nuts, seeds, raw fruits and vegetables and whole grains, can become lodged in the narrow points and cause a blockage. I've had shingles before but that's a walk in the park compared to bowel obstruction pain. I just wanted to let you know to be weary of too much fiber or difficult to digest foods. If your Dr suspects you may have some type of obstruction, the type of test that specifically looks for it is called a CT enterography with oral and IV contrast. Prayers for your health. 🙏

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Thank you. I am so sorry for the difficulties you have endured. I will definitely look into the low residue diet. Prayers that your health improves and that you have a better quality of life.

REPLY
verol65 | @verol65 | Aug 29 2:51pm

@dave1957 I'm sorry you have to wait so long to see a doctor when you are in such pain.
For inflammation, taking turmeric capsules can be really helpful (1500mg 2/day).
Also, to alleviate the pain at night, sleeping on your left side might help.
As for the constant constipation, sometimes too much fiber can provoke it. We have to balance soluble and insoluble fiber. Some do it using psyllium husk.
You might want to "reset" your digestive system in a way similar to what I had to do after I had my low anterior resection. I have no more rectum at all and no more sigmoid. So I've had to learn to eat in a way that would not provoke either diarrhea nor constipation. During about 3 weeks after my surgery, I ate white rice, peeled potatoes, white bread, plain crackers, corn tortillas, plain chicken breast, plain white fish, plain eggs, peeled and cooked carrots, peeled and cooked apples and pears, bananas at the end. Then I added low fiber foods one at a time per week, starting with asparagus, avocado, peeled and seeded zucchini or squash (now I eat it unpeeled), peeled grapes (now whole), etc.. Now, seven months later I eat almost everything, except red meats (beef, lamb, duck) and pork, no onions, very small amounts broccoli, coliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts. I can do cheese, as long as they are not creamy and I watch how much.
I hope you'll find what works for you soon.

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