The gift that keeps on giving.......

[Perido]

I'm about 4.5 years post chemo-radio treatment for cervical cancer and have become used to occasional episodes of slight/moderate bleeding alongside bowel motions.

Yesterday afternoon I had sudden bowel urgency (luckily a loo was nearby); very soft stools and much to my alarm a lot more blood than normal!

I had a colonoscopy a few months ago; just 2 tiny benign polyps found. I'll see how things go before deciding to seek professional advice.

I'm feeling OK at the moment but my confidence has taken a dive - nervous to go too far from home. Just wanted to share with people who can understand - thanks for reading.

[Romian]

I had quite a lot of bleeding after the radiation for anal cancer, became anemic, dizzy and weak. I had an ulcer in the anal area. I was prescribed 60 sessions of hyperbaric chamber oxygen treatment, about 2 hrs each, 5 days a week. At first I thought that it didn't help, but 3-4 months after the end, it worked. I have much less bleeding, about 90% less. I'm in the US. The side effect of the hyperbaric chamber was my eyesight deteriorated. I had to get new stronger glasses.

[Perido in reply to Romian]

Hi Romian

Interesting that it took a while before you got an improvement but 90% is quite a result. I'm guessing your treatment triggered a healing process which can often take a while.

Thanks for the heads up about the effect on eyesight. It's good to be able to make an informed decision before embarking on any treatment.

[Swidge13]

Imodium Instants are now my best friend! My journeys are plotted such that I know where the nearest available loos are. I’ve had so many ‘accidents’ even at home and ‘nearly accidents’ outside home. No wonder I’m agoraphobic and avoid leaving home.

[Perido in reply to Swidge13]

Hi Swidge13

My recent incident was beyond my usual experience so I might put a couple of plans on hold for now.

I'm with you on needing to know there is a loo on hand at all times because I have urinary frequency and urgency as well as my bowel issues. And I'm rarely far from home.

[Romian]

Hi, I forgot to let you know that the eye problem is supposed to be temporary, not in my case. Regarding the loo location, I avoid going out after a meal. I am on a low residue eating pattern and I still get the urge. It's in my medical chart: fecal incontinence. This started 25 years ago after radiation in the pelvic area. On top of all I discovered that I am lactose intolerant just a year ago.

[Mariecapp]

Wow! It's always something. I can identify with all of you. I had terrible bleeding after cancer treatment. I also had to have 40 hyperbaric treatments but after that my bleeding eventually stopped. I was told by my GI Dr that there were small sensitive areas down there and there will always be a chance that they can bleed again. Radiation does a number on your bowels! Compounded with the fact that I'm on blood thinners now because the treatment caused me to have numerous blood clots. So when I occasionally bleed now it doesn't stop right away. The problem comes and goes and I have learned to live with it. I'm praying for you that yours is nothing serious.

[Perido in reply to Mariecapp]

Hi Mariecapp

Like you my problem comes and goes; I've never been able to identify a trigger for my episodes of bleeding. I'm wondering if my latest bleed was particuarly heavy because it was accompanied with very soft stools (actually diarrhoea) and although there was a loo nearby I had to hold it for several minutes. Maybe diarrhoea is particularly irritating to the delicate blood vessels in the bowel/rectum - and even more so for holding it?

It's 5 days since my incident and so far so good.

It's good to hear that hyperbaric treatment was effective for you.

[Romian]

I had a pulled muscle and had physical therapy for that. After each session I started bleeding more. Exercise, heavy objects lifting makes it worse.

[Perido in reply to Romian]

My bowels generally complain if I do too much (that's not much at all compared to what I used to do). I have to pace myself - do a bit then rest a bit.......

[jude-the-obscure Community Pioneer]

Hi there!

I worried when I went in for eye surgery for similar reasons. They let me wear pants and a pad to theatre but I had big problems passing urine (peeing) post op. I had to stand up and hover to empty my bladder and had to explain to every nurse on day and night duty that this was the only way I could go! I was double padded over night (my eyes) and totally dependent on the staff to help me with everything.

I don't know how soon they get you out of bed these days after knee ops but its worth discussing it with the ward staff when you go in . Bowel function was not a problem really till I got home.

Very best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Jude the obscure

[jude-the-obscure Community Pioneer]

Sorry Perido, this reply was supposed to be for Happily Retired!!! Doesn't make sense when addressed to you - so sorry! Jude

[Perido in reply to jude-the-obscure]

No worries 🙂x