grecogirl

[grecogirl]

Hi everyone. I’m so glad that I learned of PRDA as I have just been getting along with things by myself. I had colorectal cancer 12 years ago with weeks of radiation and oral chemotherapy. The radiation burnt my genital and anal area badly but I did not realise that the skin would become so sensitive forever and that the skin would shrink. I was 55 and sexual intercourse with my lovely husband never happened again after the treatment

They don’t prepare you for this and I was heartbroken and still am really at this loss. My surgeon more or less told me to get on with the life I could still have and that he had done his job, which is true of course, but I was still bereft.

Unfortunately a year later I had breast cancer so more treatment and this time I developed a pulmonary embolism which recurred a few times. I now have bronchiectasis and take medication for that too.

I read some of the real life stories and wonder if I could get anything that would help me from a sex shop? I was given those dilators too. Useless.

I have frequent accidents and carry change of pants, wipes etc too. Recently my symptoms have worsened and I wonder if the FODMAP diet would help? What do you take for the frequent loose bowel movements? I’ve been using loperamide which helps to an extent.

I look forward to any advice any of you can give me.

[Blue_Hawaii]

Hi Grecogirl

I’m very pleased you have found PRDA

Plus sorry you’re been on your own this awful condition

We are here for you , sending lots of 🤗 🤗🤗🤗

If you check the site or speak to lovely Helen and Sarah.

They will check if you have Late Effect Clinic in your area

Wendy

[grecogirl in reply to Blue_Hawaii]

Thank you! I have sent a message asking about Late Effect clinics

[Perido]

Hi grecogirl, I got a good quality vibrator from JoDivine which, imo, is easier and more pleasant to use than the NHS dilator. I've just googled and and couldn't find their website; however jo.divine on Instagram might be worth checking out.

[grecogirl in reply to Perido]

Ok. Thanks! I’ll have a look around

[Jimbo65]

Hello grecogirl, What a lot you have been through. Where to start? Find a late effect clinic and start to get some genuine concern and hopefully some help. The loperamide can help. I take one at night and one in the morning and carry a packet of instant imodieums, so if I'm out and about and think things are a bit dodgy I take those. I always wear tena pants and period pants over the top so I'm well padded and it has contained my 'Chernobyls' as I call them. Regarding your poor bottom I realy feel your pain. It gets soooo sore. I have been prescribed hormonal cream to help thicken the skin around the vagina and internally. This has helped but the constant diarrhea doesnt help. I have a barrier cream and an Audavate RD ointment which works to sooth one the diarrhea calms down. Sex is tricky both mentally and physically as you've been through such invasive treatment. I didnt want to use the dilators and was told to get a vibrator! Walking into an Ann Summers shop was a new experience and I had know idea! Anyway there are better 'things' now you can get a silicon Dilator kit. The one I have is called CalExotics and I use the small one to apply the hormone cream and help stretch the area. Just to put this into perspective. It took me a good 2-4yrs before sex was pleasurable again. You have to get use to a new body and learn to live with it for a while and find new ways to pleasure each other. Lots of lube and a towel for the bed helps. You are not alone and there are small pockets within the medical proffession who can help. Ask to be referred to a dietician regarding diet. I tried the FODmap diet and it help identify some foods that I cant tolerate but its not a solution. I'm now trying to follow a low residue diet (LRD) to see if that improves the 'Chernobyls'. So find a late effects clinic, get an appointment with your GP and talk about creams, loperamide, pads (you should get them on NHS) and dietician/gastro appointment. Also if you havent already, get yourself a radar key so you can use disabled loos. Easy to get one on-line. Hope this helps and I wish you the very best as you negotiate your way to a new body and a new way of doing things. XX

[grecogirl in reply to Jimbo65]

Thank you so much for all this information. I will certainly try all of the above. To imagine that intercourse might be possible again one day … I do use loperamide and have it on prescription but I sometimes leave it too late do I will take them as you do. I’m in town at the moment so might go to an Ann Summers. Will make GO appointment and find a Late Effect clinic. I feel so relieved as I’ve just been going solo for so long. Thank you SO MUCH!