Bowel issues

[Triumph-Girl]

Gel Discharge from bowel - hello everyone, my issue sounds minor compared to what you are going through and I’m 72 so lucky to have been in good health for most of my life, but it would ease my worries if I understood more. Following stage 1b2 diagnosis I finished surgery, chemorads and brachytherapy in September last year. As we come out of lockdown and the summer arrives I’m feeling self-conscious about gas, gel discharge and involuntary bowel movements. I did have excess salivation but now feeling nauseous too. Damage to the ilium? was mentioned last August. Just wondered if I could do anything to alleviate particularly the bowel issue. I fear I will never share a holiday, swim, cycle, dance or wear summer clothes again. Wearing a panty liner every day is sufficient protection but it’s the fear of it getting worse and being caught out. I have been practicing pelvic floor exercises and I think that has helped with bladder control.

Any info would be much appreciated

Triumph Girl x

[Ladyparts]

I'm sorry to hear you're having bowel issues. I had chemorad with brachy for 1b3 cervical cancer in Dec 2019 and it took some time for my bowels to calm down but they have improved massively since then. I take high strength probiotics everyday and have had a range of prebiotics over time, which have helped to calm things down. The bowel really does take a hit and it's important to restore the gut mucosa and re-populate the gut with good bacteria.

I few things I've found helpful:

- Glutamine

- Slippery Elm (prebiotic/anti-inflammatory)

- Turkey Tail Mushroom (prebiotic)

- Curcumin (for inflammation)

- Benefibre (to encourage well-formed stools - not sure if this extra fibre would be disastrous for you though!?)

There is a formulation in Australia called 'Gut Relief' by Nutra life that is quite good. I'm not sure if it's available in other countries, but there would be an equivalent.

I'm not sure what you have tried already, so forgive me if you've heard all this before! Also, totally not a health professional, just sharing my experience! Sending you lots of healing vibes and hoping that this issue clears up for you soon x

[Triumph-Girl in reply to Ladyparts]

Hi Ladyparts - I so appreciate your prompt reply and so much detailed information. Plenty for me to research and feeling a lot more confident about finding the right treatment through this stage now.Have been reading other’s posts for some months now and really feel for all your difficulties, sending healing vibes also.

Take Care

Triumph Girl

[Mariecapp]

Welcome to the group. I have all the same symptoms that you are experiencing I am 4.5 yrs post cancer treatment and I feel like everything I have tried doesn't work. It's kind of depressing to me but I don't let it stop me from doing what I enjoy! Best to you

[Triumph-Girl in reply to Mariecapp]

Thank you for your reply. I will have to be realistic and be prepared to live with this if suggestions don’t help. Best Wishes to allTriumph Girl

[Bangersandmash]

i have recently discovered M &S period pants- brilliant and make me feel a bit more normal. They come in different thicknesses.

[Bluegenie in reply to Bangersandmash]

My daughter introduced me to period pants and they have made a real difference to my confidence when going out and about. They are not cheap but I feel they are definitely worth the investment.