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Pelvic Radiation Disease Association

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ongoing bowel issues

Mariecapp profile image
15 Replies

I will be 6 yrs cancer free in December. I have had ongoing malabsorbtion issues that have progressively got worse. Maybe someone can offer some advice. I am very limited with what I can eat now. No dairy, wheat and green veggies. Eating for me now is boring. I take IBGard before my meals but that only offers some relief. Then after I finish my meal my abdomen starts to gurgle, then I feel like I need to have a BM which I do,and this process can go on for at least 10 BM'S! Then I have to take immodium. My PCP stated that Maybe I should see a gastroenterologist, but I said what are they goingto do, I have PRD. Does anybody have some advice for me? I appreciatei it. Thanks

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Mariecapp profile image
Mariecapp
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15 Replies
Silver1-lady profile image
Silver1-lady

I have recently been contacted by a late effects Dr who explained that bowel issues seem to be due to the bile salts not working in your liver I am about to start some new medication. I was told it may not work but it’s proved effective with other people so worth a try

Mariecapp profile image
Mariecapp in reply to Silver1-lady

Thank you for the information. Bile salts? I will remember to ask my PCP about that. Seems like my Dr doesn't know much about PRD and neither does my hematologist. Do you know the name of the medicationthat they want you to try? Please keep me informed because if you have positive results maybe I can ask my Dr to prescribe it for me. Best to

Silver1-lady profile image
Silver1-lady in reply to Mariecapp

I will know tomorrow when I collect it from pharmacy will keep you posted

Flying2278 profile image
Flying2278 in reply to Mariecapp

I was put on cholestyramine and / or Questran which has helped incredibly x

DarceyD profile image
DarceyD

i take imodium continually now. It has really helped so would recommend you talking to gp. They can give you loperamide on repeat prescription. It has meant I can walk the dog without dashing home. Worth talking to gastroenterologist if offer is there. My docs won’t refer me.

Mariecapp profile image
Mariecapp in reply to DarceyD

Thank you for answering me. Yes, immodium does help me. I will ask my Dr to order it. Do you know if the cost is less if a Dr prescribes it? It's so depressing to have ongoing issues with PRD. Best to you.

DarceyD profile image
DarceyD in reply to Mariecapp

i am over the magic 60 so get free prescriptions. It was more about getting it regularly for me. Sometimes local shops only have packs of 6 tablets and won’t let you buy multiple packs. Plus its now on my records that I take it.

RoseTyler profile image
RoseTyler

Sorry I can't offer any advice as I suffer from the same shit I'm afraid, :( but what is a PCP? 😳

Mariecapp profile image
Mariecapp in reply to RoseTyler

Primary Care Physician

janfarrugia profile image
janfarrugia

I have found cutting out fat is the most helpful dietary change

Mariecapp profile image
Mariecapp

Thank you! I will try to do that

Flying2278 profile image
Flying2278

Ask your specialist about having a SeCAT scan to see if you’re struggling with bile acid malabsorption which can be treated. Xx

Mariecapp profile image
Mariecapp

I have very bad diarrhea from the CT scan prep. I'm not sure what is in it but with my malabsorbtion problem I'm not sure that I want that, but I will ask my Dr. Thank you

Silver1-lady profile image
Silver1-lady

hi I recieved my medication which I spoke about in a previous reply and it is called Colesevelam hydrochloride it helps a little

Mariecapp profile image
Mariecapp in reply to Silver1-lady

Thanks. I think that I'll ask my Dr to prescribe it for me

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