Grecogirl

[grecogirl]

Hi everyone. 13 years post surgery for rectal cancer. The usual problems but my incontinence is getting worse recently. I take Imodium religiously- at least one a day if not two. However, every so often my bowel decides it must evacuate no matter how much Imodium taken. The pain is awful and I know that ultimately (and quickly 😳) I need a toilet and I’m usually not near one. Yesterday I was walking in the park 🤷🏻‍♀️. Is there anything I can do apart from taking the Imodium. Why does my bowel go into cramps and empty even though I’m taking Imodium? Does this happen to you all?

[Jimbo65]

Sadly I don't think anyone knows yet why bowel contol is so hard to control after cancer treatment. Radiation has definitely deteriorated my bladder wall so I suspect that parts of the bowel walls have also been damaged. Maybe effecting the muscle control that allows you to hold until you can get to a loo. It's so frustrating not knowing what and what not to eat. I do avoid processed food as much as possible. And eat fresh . I avoid stringy veg and lettuce, tomato skins etc, that I cant digest. It's all trial and error. Have you seen a dietitian? I have to use catherters to wee. I'd love to know if there's a way to empty the bowels before going out so that at least we'd feel a bit more secure. Good luck in your quest for answers. Hopefully the late effects clinic will be able to provide information to gastroenterologist in the future so they gain vital information on how to treat Radiated bowels.

[grecogirl in reply to Jimbo65]

Thanks for your reply. I wish there was a Late Effects clinic in Scotland as surely they would have better advice?

My doctor has advised me just to take more Imodium but surely that will just bung me up more and then cause worse cramps when bowels decide to empty? 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️