Hi all,
Looking for advice. I have a constant cycle of constipation followed by diarrhoea flare ups which make me feel quite ill and housebound for a few days, then back to constipation. I guess this is because of narrowing of part of the bowel by radiotherapy although it is just classed as PRD. Dietary changes don’t seem to have any effect and I have tried stool softeners with not much success. Has anyone managed to conquer this cycle as it’s really getting me down and putting me off food?
Hi. I’ve had same problems. Sounds like irritable bowel. I haven’t fixed mine. Wish you luck finding some help.
I have a similar issue regardless of what I eat. Things can look almost normal, then on to constipation, then colitis-like shaggy/diarreaoh poop, then back to a short period of 'normal'. I am in the flare up stage now and my whole GI tract feels inflamed as well as hot, sore joints in my mid spine/lower back and pelvic/bowel pain. It sucks!!
I am booked in for a colonoscopy/endoscopy in late October, so will let you know the outcome and what is suggested. Hope you get some answers and relief xx
Yes, I get that inflamed sensation as well. I had a colonoscopy a while ago but the enema had failed to do its job and they couldn’t really see clearly. Embarrassing! I suppose I should repeat it. I have been told that CT and MRI scans can’t really diagnose bowel issues of this sort but not really sure on this point. Do post your results. Good luck!
Oh no! Yes, probably worth doing again! I will let you know how I go for sure. Best of luck x
I also have the same problem. Nothing has really helped the cycles and it comes and goes. Sometimes I just don't have the answer to this. Best to you
I'm presuming radiation therapy has caused your bowel issues. It's such a frustrating and debilitating situation to be in. Don't put up with it, keep trying to talk to your GP, try get referred to gastroenterology to check for a blockage and dietitian for food advice. In the meantime, have you tried Pilates or seen a physio? They maybe able to give you some exercises that gently stimulates the damaged areas and also help with your wellbeing. I think that the fear of diarrhea stops many of us going out and then the fear turns into anxiety which then causes constipation because we've either taken too much imodeum or eaten something that the gut can't cope with. It's such a frustrating place to be. I hope you can find a path through and start getting out and about again. X
Yes I had the same with diarrhoea and constipation Diarrhoea not much now, since I’ve was prescribed Colesevelam
Constipation I was prescribed Glycerol suppositories, that helps a bit
I spoke to a dieticians this which, who does know about PRD
She suggested Flax seed for constipation
I do wish you well.
Hope to meet you on zoom on Wednesday eve
X
How do I join the zoom meeting ?
Go on the PRDA site the information should be thereIf you look on this there will Sarah,Sue and Jennifer the administration
Hope to see you tomorrow night x
Ok will do thanks
Hi Echium,PRD since 2015.Suffering what you described so well on and off ever since. Must send loads of love and empathy as I know just what you are going through . Told I must not allow anybody to intubate my colon again due to the danger of perforating the damaged area of bowel. Colonoscopy showed a narrowed thickened sigmoid colon just above the rectum. I had 6 weeks radiotherapy - 5 days a week. Then 2 internal brachytherapy treatments to the upper third of the vagina - 10 years ago.
Gut does its own thing but is influenced by food and mood, I try to continue eating a "normal " diet with fruit and veg and milled linseed included. After a busy morning ( diarrhoea x 5) having taken 5 loperamide to get me out of the house, I expect a few days of inactivity before things get going again. can end up with hard to pass pebbles but it usually sorts itself out after about 4 days or so. Dioralyte made up as directed corrects the imbalance of water and salts and makes me feel a bit better. I had to take my husband to the doc's this morning and managed it after a struggle. He cannot drive for other reasons. At nearly 80 it would be an effort for him to get up the hill!
Glad I made it, Exhausted this p.m. See other post by me as to how I cope!
Very best wishes
LYnn
After similar problems have found Agiolax a perfect solution for short term constipation preferably taken in the evening with natural type results between 6 to 10 hours later. Should you also have impacted feces then at the same time as taking the Agiolax grains use one Fleet Rectal Enema to clear your canal. As it acts within one to five minutes make sure to be near a toilet.Last but not least, stewed prunes are a gentle natural laxative best eaten in the morning with a high fibre soluble cereal such as the Original Post Shredded Wheat (0 fat, 0 salt, 0 sugar) or a cooked porridge such as oats.
Wishing you the best regularity !!
I had this that gradually worsened. I took Movicol most nights to be able to 'go' the next day. Wore pads when went too loose.I changed my diet a year ago. Cut out meat and high fibre. Now eat chicken and fish with soluble fibre veg (look it up). Breakfast is oat muesli with blueberries or bran flakes with banana. Wholemeal bread sandwich only twice a week max. Eggs in omelette or poached are good.
Hope this helps you.
Sub acute small bowel obstruction
Thank you so much to my pals on PRDA
