In 2019 I had 37 fractions of IMRT. First three years i had no issues to speak of concerning bowels. Last year I had a colonoscopy which showed enlarged blood vessels which was causing the occasional blood in my stool. My question is this...how many of you have had diarrhea and gas show up a few years after radiation and how have you dealt with it over the years. Does it ever get better?
Thank you for your feedback.
Mark
Here's what I learned about bleeding post RT
macmillan.org.uk/cancer-inf...
The delayed diarrhea and gas is radiation enteritis.
I went to a proctologist who got rid of my internal hemorrhoids. After that I had no issues.
Tks Allen, ....but any thoughts on daily loose stool/diarrhea and gas? I understand occasional bright red blood from broken blood vessels. I had a colonoscopy last year but all that was said was diverticulitis and they left it at that. I'm just wondering if the gas and diarrhea is simply my life going forward or if it does settle down after a year or two. The loss of fluid ling term because of diarrhea can't be good.
It may go away on its own. If not, you can talk to a gastroenterologist about resurfacing or hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
With diarrhea and gas?
After 4 1/2 yrs I have an occasional wet fart but learned to live with it.
Lucky you...mine is daily with diarrhea and gas.
I had 25 days of IMRT 4 years ago(Brachy a few months earlier).
My RO advised me to take Metamucil (fiber caps) to avoid potential episodes of diarrhea.
Followed his advice and STILL take 7 caps daily. no loose stools or constipation.
I had a pretty rough time during my 2 months of IMPT with diarrhea/constipation and consequently lost about 25 lbs during treatment. Towards the end of treatment, I had an appointment with a cancer nutritionist that recommended probiotics (refrigerated type). After treatment, I began daily consumption of mixed brands of yogurt, naturally fermented sauerkraut, and kefir, with the occasional miso and tempeh to build back my gut health. It's 5 months later, my bowels are about back to normal, and I continue my probiotic regimen daily.
Sorry but I can't resist....... Name "Muzio" sort of fits....
Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.
j-o-h-n Friday 07/14/2023 12:57 PM DST
I finished 45 EBRT mid October 2021. In February 2023 my stools started being softer. It was like trying to wipe a brand new Sharpie.Doc said that the colon is not absorbing water the way it should because of damage to the lining of the colon. Said that it is a life long side effect. I dread every time I have to go to the bathroom. But I have to keep reminding myself of the alternative. PSA .26 and feeling fine other than trying to wipe a brand new Sharpie 😂
I know what you mean Jack....good way to put it! One fella mentioned probiotics. Have you tried it? I think it will be worth a try. another mentioned Metamucil but it has Aspartame in it. I already eat what I consider a high fiber diet with lots of vegetables and fruit. Do you compensate for the loss of water by drinking a bit more water? Just curious...
I haven’t tried probiotics yet. Probably should have already started but plan to do so in the near future. I drink approximately half a gallon of water a day. Sometimes more on a hot day. I do eat a lot of fruit.
KarkMuzio. I feel your pain as I am in the same boat. Completed EBRT late 2019. Started with severe diarrhea about a year ago and continues strong. GI said no way to correct but recommended using Imodium each time I have a bout of diarrhea. It works for one day and by day 3 the cycle continues. I wear protection and am careful with long outings. As as a side note along with fecal Incontinence urinary issues getting worse Radiation! The gift that keeps on giving
Wish you the best.
I hear you BadNews and sympathize totally. I can only say that it has been somewhat kind to me in that my gas and bowelmovements seem to consistently happen as soon as I awake and certainly after a cup of morning coffee and breakfast but usually when I awake. During the day usually I'm ok which I'm very thankful for. Damn, I feel for you it happens irregularly.
I am totally incontinent but for a different reason...I had to have a transurethral resection a year and a half ago. They reamed me out to much and took away my sphincter.
I had 6 rounds of RT to prostate and pelvis 4 months ago and get a lot of gas/flatulence but no diarrhea - in fact I generally have mild constipation and large hard stools.
All good suggestions. Sometime ago on this forum there was a great quote that I really took to heart. “Never trust a fart”.
I like you am an avid fruit eater but I needed to watch the type of fruit I eat because some add to the issue. At a minimum I try to eat one banana each day along with some plain yogurt in the morning.
I also take a probiotic capsule each day to sooth and assist the gut microbes.
In addition to the things mentioned sometimes you need more than water. My RO suggested Pedialyte to replace electrolytes from the diarrhea.
There is no magic bullet just a series of trials and errors to see what works for you.
On a more practical level I now travel with a zip lock which contains two pair of underwear, wet ones, a small package of tissues and a disposable baggie. Just in case.
All good suggestions. Sometime ago on this forum there was a great quote that I really took to heart. “Never trust a fart”.
rule number three, jack Nicholson, bucket list
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