Radiation proctitis?

[PrettyUnhappyGuy]

How do I tell if diarrhea is radiation proctitis or if it's just "regular" diarrhea? It's seven months past my treatment and I've had no prior rectal issues, but have diarrhea today. No stomach pain or bleeding, but if it is due to radiation I don't want to wait it out before contacting the doctor, then again it could just be random from something I ate or a stomach bug. It started this morning. Since treatment I've found myself attributing every tiny thing that goes wrong with me to be a side effect of treatment or an indication the cancer is returning when there's been no sign of either so far.

[pjd55d]

take an anti-diarrhea otc med. if it persists - as in 3-5 day - contact your medi cal care provider. Lots of fluids

keep stress to a minimum - not worth it

[Tall_Allen]

You're not alone in attributing every problem to the cancer. Late-term rectal issues are rare, especially if there were never any such issues immediately after radiation.

Take some anti-diarrheal like loperamide and a sports drink to replace electrolytes. It really doesn't matter what caused it. You would only treat the symptoms anyway.