I've only just found this helpful group .....

[Dunandjam]

I had radiotherapy and chemotherapy following surgery to remove an anal polyp, which had grown in size due to a long wait to see a cardiologist, but that is another story! I started radiotherapy beginning of Sep 23 and had to be hospitalised for the chemo due to having angina. Both time I have the chemo, I had to have the chemo stopped after a few days as I had angina attacks. Radiotherapy concluded 50.4 Gy in 27 fractions over 7 weeks to the pelvis, anus & lymph nodes.

2 Jan 24 - CT & MRI scans and 24 Jan received news that I was clear. I had a colonoscopy 24 May and that was normal

11 Jan 25 - CT & MRI scans were repeated and I am anxiously awaiting the results.

I have had a lot of trouble with my bowels and bladder, urgency to pee sometimes not getting to the loo in time. Cystitis which I cure myself by drinking a lot of fluids etc.

For months now my problems have been getting worse and I came across the PRDA website and realised that's what I might have. I have severe fatigue, excess mucous, diarrhoea, wind and wet farts, leakage, tummy pain, nausea and so on. I eat nutty muesli with yoghurt for breakfast, or porridge with blueberries, have a sandwich for lunch with an apple and dinner at night (no pudding) and I don't eat anything after dinner. I drink a lot of water. Maybe I am eating too much fibre? I have been taking inulin on my breakfast which is supposed to help bowel movement as it increases fibre intake.

I'm very stressed at the moment waiting for my scan results and I've got an appointment to see a cardiologist on Sun 23rd Feb!

Sorry this is such a long post, it actually feels cathartic to me writing it and I hope someone can advise me please.

Thanks in advance👍

[Lamados1954]

you have been through so much and it’s complex dealing with angina and chemo . The first round of chemo I had a heart attack so it stopped and I couldn’t have anymore so just had intensive radiotherapy . After radiotherapy a lot of us are having the same problems I actually pass wind through my vagina !!! I was just told I have altered anatomy from the treatment I asked if there could be a fistula to be told no but it’s very disconcerting . Like all the symptoms post radiotherapy I have received no advice or explanations as to why I’m having these symptoms from any of the health care professionals I am in contact with ,It’s only on here that I have found some answers and advice. It’s excellent news that your first scan was clear and I hope your current one is the same . All the symptoms you describe I experience the same a year after treatment ended I’m still having post radiotherapy complications . I do find too much fibre makes things worse . I had a cystoscopy as I was bleeding from my bladder they found nothing sinister but severe inflammation from the treatment . I was given a drug to help stop the irritability in my bladder but it didn’t suit me and in fact had the opposite effect. I am just living with the symptoms day to day I am waiting to see a gastroenterologist and at this point if I was told I needed a colostomy I would gladly have one as the bowel symptoms are the worse to live with . I hope you find something that works for you it’s so hard living day to day with these symptoms , and I really hope the results of your last scan is clear . I do get comfort from other people’s experiences on here and someone may be able to offer more constructive advice wishing you all the very best

[Dunandjam in reply to Lamados1954]

It’s nice to know that I’m not on my own and thank you for your response. Regarding the bladder problems, I had the controversial trans vaginal tape op (TVT) over 10 yrs ago and mine was successful in sorting out my urge & Stress incontinence but the radiotherapy has brought it all back. I don’t think I’d accept medication to sort out the bladder problem as I’ve read they can affect your brain! I’m struggling with pelvic exercises at the moment. Still waiting for results and feeling stressed as we do! I’ll let you know on here about my scan results. Bye for now

[AT73]

It might be worth trying to see a specialist dietician. This helped me so much. I had never heard of resistant starches which can be bad for anyone with bowel problems. These include reheated potato, rice, pasta. Also, nuts, seeds, and some types of bread. It is something you could find out about.

My diet is now very restricted but my bowel problems are not as severe. This is just a suggestion and you should always take advice from a professional dietician.

[Dunandjam in reply to AT73]

Thanks for your helpful information. Those foods you mention I do eat a lot of!! I will research a dietician; I've received an appointment in the post this afternoon to see my colorectal consultant and she hasn't mentioned the results of the scans so I am a bit concerned. Such is life.

[Triumph-Girl]

Hi - I had op and chemo/rads/brachytherapy for 1B2 cervical cancer in 2020 with resultant bowel/bladder problems. Although we sign the form it was a shock to have particularly bowel problems, just wasn’t expecting it and just so worried about potentially embarrassing situations. My Oncologist gave me prescription for Fybogel and referral to a physiotherapist. She was really lovely, gave me diet advice & sheets to record my food intake plus the Squeezy app on my phone. Cows milk is a problem for mucus for me (never was before) so oat milk now on. Can risk the occasional tea with dairy now if out. I wasn’t keen to stay on Fybogel permanently so I read that apples & raspberries are a good alternative plus almonds with skins on and I am better than I was. I walk regularly as I feel that ‘gets things going’ . Although it’s dairy I dose up on Kefir once a fortnight and feel better for that too. I feel fortunate to have got off lightly compared to some on here. Hope everything improves for you soon.

[Dunandjam in reply to Triumph-Girl]

Hi - thanks for your kind advice. I'll download the Squeeze app. I now think I am eating too much fibre; I love dairy foods but some say they are not good! Maybe I might try oat milk. I like Kefir as well and agree that exercise is beneficial.