Getting to grips and getting out with Bowel and bladder issues!

[Jimbo65]

Hi everyone, It's so frustrating, having got through cancer, to now be living with life changing issues due to our treatment. Its humbling reading the complex issues many of you are living with. Just know I admire your tenacity and resilience to find ways to live with those issues. My bowels and bladder have a mind of there own (cervical cancer 2005) Radiation damage getting progressively worse over the years. But following a FODMAP diet in early 2019 really helped my bloating and wind. Since then I try to be gluten free as it helps. I take loperamide morning and night and extra if I'm eating out. I never go anywhere without a change of clothes and I wear protective pads and pants all the time I'm out. I'm lucky as I have the confidence to go out. For those of who don't dare go out, is it fear of 'what if...'? The worst had happened to me. I was on a coach trip and lost control of my bowels! It was mortifying but everyone was so supportive. So you can get out there and I urge you to try as I believe PRD is made worse by our anxieties over 'what ifs'. We've survived cancer people, grab all the meds, a large bag of protection and get out there! Sending everyone strength and determination in this quest for better aftercare and knowledge of PRD. XX

[Hopeful-one]

Hi Jimbo65It was heartening to read of your attitude to your experiences, I too firmly believe in just getting out there and living life to the full. I too have had incontinence problems for some time, which are becoming progressively worse. I am currently having another go at working with a medical team to help me control these better, but it will always be a case of 'getting things as good as they can be under the circumstances'. I refuse to be defined by my difficulties and I definitely get out there every day, whilst of course taking what precautions I can, and just dealing with 'accidents' when they happen'- which they do, with alarming frequency. What's the worst that can happen? Diarrhea down my trousers? Yes, been there on various occasions. Not pleasant, and embarrassing, I'd much prefer it not to happen, but it's really not the end of the world. Trousers can be changed and off I go again😉. I agree with you Jimbo65, get out there and live!!

[Stilllooking in reply to Hopeful-one]

I soo agree with you get up and out my close friends all know what I’m like Need the loo OMG HELP where is the nearest one. I thank god when I get a toilet with no accident 😂

[Hopeful-one in reply to Stilllooking]

Yep, if we make it in time great, if not, oh well not the worst that can happen. I'm just trying some anal plugs which could prove helpful, I'll see. Available on prescription I gather😉

[jude-the-obscure Community Pioneer]

Hello Jimbo

I am afraid at 78 that I am not as adventurous as you and find the constant desire to defaecate really trying. I really hate this problem but find gardening at home a great source of relaxation. I try not to take too much loperamide as I then end up with constipation and sometimes overflow of loose faeces around the constipated stool. I use Buscopan occasionally to relax the colon and avoid onion family with great fervour! Cauliflower upsets me too. Mood also has a bearing and anxiety sends my gut into overdrive. I need to get back to daily meditation and mindfulness exercises but even that takes a lot of energy!

IF I am going out and have diarrhoea, I take 2 Loperamide at once and then up to 2 more - one with each loose stool - I rarely need more than 4 to stop my gallop! I eat less fibre for a day or so before planning a trip or a doctor's visit, but try not to get too exercised by my diet.

Hope these thoughts are useful and well done for being so resourceful.

Kindest regards

Lynn

[jude-the-obscure Community Pioneer]

PS I usually sign myself Jude but forgot today!!!