Rectal Cancer, Diapers, Diapers, Diapers.

Posted by jmy75 @jmy75, May 22 9:45pm

I bought a 26 pack of diapers for my dad on Monday, and in 2 days he's gone through 16 of them, so 8 a day.

Is this normal for anyone with rectal cancer? He has incontinence, and sometimes can't control it, but his frequency has gone up. And besides being expensive, it's a constant problem for him.

Just wondering.

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@yancy

Thanks. It’s very encouraging to hear from someone who has gone through this. I’ve been seriously reading up on bidets and the handheld one. Were you having radiation and chemo at the same time? Did you end up having to have surgery? Your stage? Fatigue? Pain elsewhere? Any details you’d care to share would be so appreciated.

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Oh, I see that you did have both treatments.

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@verol65

From a conversation in a FB group.

There are 2 different types of fiber -- soluble and insoluble. Both are important for health, digestion, and preventing diseases.
Soluble fiber attracts water and turns to gel during digestion. This slows digestion. Soluble fiber is found in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, and some fruits and vegetables. It is also found in psyllium, a common fiber supplement. Some types of soluble fiber may help lower risk of heart disease.
Insoluble fiber is found in foods such as wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains. It adds bulk to the stool and appears to help food pass more quickly through the stomach and intestines.
Benefiber is soluble fiber only with a prebiotic. Benefiber doesn’t bulk the stool.
Metamucil & Psyllium, which is in Metamucil, has both soluble & insoluble fiber. The insoluble fiber bulks the stool.
Benefiber helps to slightly slow the stool where Metamucil/Psyllium Husk is more likely to rush right through bowels especially if taken with lots of water. For loose stools Metamucil will bulk your stool if taken as a slurry in only 2-3oz of water. This is also why I recommend not eating or drinking for 30 minutes after taking Metamucil if bulking up loose stools is goal.
Citrucel (methylcellulose) is mainly insoluble fibers that are nonfermentable, so it's less likely to contribute to bloating and gas. Psyllium husk (Metamucil and Konsyl) is rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber.

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Thank you so much for your very helpful reply

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@rioa21

Fecal incontinence is an awful thing to deal with. I lived with it for almost 2 years before having colostomy surgery. Mine was from radiation to the anal area. Is he going to have a colostomy? It really gave me back my life.

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I read that radiation to anal area can affect reversal and symptoms, did do tell you that. ?

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@lou3

I read that radiation to anal area can affect reversal and symptoms, did do tell you that. ?

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My colostomy is due to damage from radiation. It killed the cancer….so far, but did permanent damage to my sphincter muscle. My colostomy is forever.

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@rioa21

My colostomy is due to damage from radiation. It killed the cancer….so far, but did permanent damage to my sphincter muscle. My colostomy is forever.

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So sorry to hear that. I just wondered because they want me to have radiation after chemo but I want my ileostomy reversed and read radiation can not be good for it.thank you for your comment.

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Is your ileostomy due to cancer?

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Oh boy, I know exactly what he is going through as I had the same problem.
NOTE, I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM!
Solution an Artificial Spinster inserted by Dr. Lee at Cornell Wilde in NYC.
A gift from Heaven.
It requires minor surgery.
Look it up on the internet.
Tell you Dad; “HES WELCOME” lol

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Hi,
I went through this too. It's tough. I had a temporary ileostomy bag for 1 yr while my system grew stronger and control. I'm doing okay now (no bag), but always cautious and eat lots of small meals throughout which helps.

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@jmy75, how are you and your dad doing?

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