Physiotherapy: Hi All - reading many of... - Pelvic Radiation ...

Pelvic Radiation Disease Association

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Physiotherapy

Triumph-Girl profile image
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Hi All - reading many of you posts I do feel fortunate that my PRD is fairly mild. I finished treatment in September 2020. I have mild nausea, tender abdomen, a lot of wind, gel discharge and occasional uncontrollable bm. I told my Oncologist I am most anxious about bm so he has referred me to a physiotherapist. Has anyone else seen a physio? Wonder what to expect?

On another note my great love is dancing and obviously haven’t been for 4 years, have plucked up courage for a class on Thursday evening, my big fear is wind, any tips to ensure I reduce wind as much as possible?

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Triumph-Girl profile image
Triumph-Girl
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Jimbo65 profile image
Jimbo65

What a lot to have to go through! Sounds like you've got through the surgery and treatment brilliantly. So now it's managing the side effect symptoms. Wind, avoid fizzy drinks, and too much fiber / gluten rich foods. For peace of mind, wear Tenna pants with tight fitting knickers over the top for protection. Take all the physio you can get and definitely use the dilators as they help the bowel and bladder to stay in place and keeps the vagina open, very important for your internal structure in that area. Enjoy the dance class. X

Triumph-Girl profile image
Triumph-Girl in reply to Jimbo65

Hmm, interesting, I didn’t know dilator kept bowel and bladder in place. From my symptoms I’m guessing the radiation has damaged the muscles hence the physio? I don’t drink anything fizzy except the occasional celebratory champagne 🙂. I’ve been told to cut out dairy for a month and given Fybogel to take at least once a day and half an Imodium if necessary. Thought I would try no dairy first and go from there.

Jimbo65 profile image
Jimbo65 in reply to Triumph-Girl

Haha. Not actually in place but I've read that keeping the vaginal area exercised the better it is for the surrounding areas.

Sarah_PRDA profile image
Sarah_PRDAPartner

Hi Triumph-Girl

The physio you have been referred for is probably to help improve your pelvic floor muscle. The Bladder and Bowel Community have some resources on Pelvic Floor Exercises to help with bladder and bowel incontinence if you would like to read a bit more about it.

bladderandbowel.org/help-in...

Great to hear you're going to a dance class 💃

Coincidentally, wind was a topic that was discussed at our last 'Chat Together' group. tips that came up were...

Things to avoid:

Artificial sweeteners - particularly sorbitol

Drinking with meals

Chewing gum

Fizzy drinks

Foods that can increase wind -

cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, sprouts, pulses (like beans or lentils), dried fruit ( like raisins or apricots), onions.

Things you may like to try:

Take time when eating - eating fast can cause us to swallow more air

Some people find taking charcoal tablets can help reduce wind

Keep a food diary to see if certain foods trigger excess wind

Peppermint tea or peppermint capsules

Hope these tips help, it would be great to hear how you get on.

Vailgirl profile image
Vailgirl

When I am going out to do something, especially something physical (I teach yoga) I eat simply - something like just a slice of sourdough bread with a smear of avocado and water. Eating too much fiber will cause wind and drinking something hot with a meal may cause increased bowel urgency. I also purchased some charcoal pads that you can put inside your underwear to help with the odor. What helped me most (I"m 15 years out) was working with an Ayurvedic doctor who prescribed herbs. Try making a tea of cumin, fennel, coriander and sipping it throughout the day, that works wonders! Charcoal tablets help also. Good luck- now go cut a rug

Triumph-Girl profile image
Triumph-Girl

Thank you all for your advice. I did keep clear of the green veg before the rock and roll class and fortunately the music was loud no-one would have heard - phew! Oncologist also put me on no dairy for a month which seems to be helping with the nausea etc. All in all I am feeling better than I was so with the physio (I feel very fortunate to be referred) I may be able to go swimming too?Best Wishes to you all

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