I think this a new question- older radiation burns- anal verge

Ninjacat
Ninjacat Member Posts: 5
edited September 2012 in Anal Cancer #1
First off , Hi! I have been lurking for two years, sorry

My cancer dx and treatment was two years ago, finished treatment November of 2010, so far, no reoccurrence or any other cancer
thankfully no major hip issues, or sexual issues, aside from the early menopause (stupid hot flashes)

Treatment itself went as smoothly , as it could, most of the radiation was aimed at my anus, if that matters

My digestive issues are mostly cleared up, except a random issue here or there, some you can tell, "oh yeah, way too much fiber" or no poop for a day or two after popcorn, but minor, but at least once a month, no idea what triggers it, def still painful if I pop more then once a day, no matter what kind of poop it is, kwim?

My major issue is my anus still hurts, 99% of the time and the inner folds of my thighs (where it meets my pelvis/torso?, still KILLS
nder wear hurts after a few hours, bathing suits kill with in minutes, I can wear jeans but can tell I did the next day, have had yoga pants on for two days and still hurts. Hurts to sit too long etc etc etc

The doctor hears me but says it looks fine, the last time I called for lortab refill the nurses said we have to ask the doctor, who I talked to and he heard me and agreed but forgot the refill. I hate to look like a drug seeker but Iam telling you , it still hurts, motrin and other things aren't helping, I also went to the dermatologist, thinking he had some ideas, but only gave me Biafine, which didn't really do anything

Is it just me? Am I crazy? I am pretty sure , I am not a wimp,
any input would be so helpful, I have wrestled with this for the last year , and I want to be all better and kiss this chapter good bye

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    Ninjacat--
    I probably can't be much help to you, as once my skin healed right after radiation ended, I have not had any issues similar to yours. I know I got relief right after treatment by using A&D ointment, which is a diaper rash product. It has zinc oxide in it and I found it quite soothing. Perhaps you should seek another opinion from a different dermatologist. The skin in the treatment area is very friable. Surely there is something that can give you some relief. I hope you get something that will help.
  • Phoebesnow
    Phoebesnow Member Posts: 600 Member
    mp327 said:

    Ninjacat--
    I probably can't be much help to you, as once my skin healed right after radiation ended, I have not had any issues similar to yours. I know I got relief right after treatment by using A&D ointment, which is a diaper rash product. It has zinc oxide in it and I found it quite soothing. Perhaps you should seek another opinion from a different dermatologist. The skin in the treatment area is very friable. Surely there is something that can give you some relief. I hope you get something that will help.

    Pain
    I have been left with the same aches and pains.

    I ttake two Tylenol w codeine every evening. Sometimes the pain in my groin makes me feel nauseas. Sitting on my butt is like sitting on two tuning forks. Pain is endless. Sometimes when my kitty lays in my lap, it is so painful, but I want her to stay, but it never lasts long, I will feel physically sick from the pain.

    I have nerve damage in my thigh from the radiation. Subsequently diagnosed with neuropathy and poly neuropathy. Then ataxia.

    Keep moving, seems to be the only thing that works. I was much worse when I was inactive. I have changed to a healthier diet, regular sleep schedule and daily exercise. This has helped.

    You are not alone and this is not a new subject.
  • Ninjacat
    Ninjacat Member Posts: 5

    Pain
    I have been left with the same aches and pains.

    I ttake two Tylenol w codeine every evening. Sometimes the pain in my groin makes me feel nauseas. Sitting on my butt is like sitting on two tuning forks. Pain is endless. Sometimes when my kitty lays in my lap, it is so painful, but I want her to stay, but it never lasts long, I will feel physically sick from the pain.

    I have nerve damage in my thigh from the radiation. Subsequently diagnosed with neuropathy and poly neuropathy. Then ataxia.

    Keep moving, seems to be the only thing that works. I was much worse when I was inactive. I have changed to a healthier diet, regular sleep schedule and daily exercise. This has helped.

    You are not alone and this is not a new subject.

    I do exercise frequently,
    I do exercise frequently, and that helps in the sense, I get no pains lol, get distracted

    I do eat well, which is a balancing act, if I eat to well, too much fiber/fruit /vegetables, then I might poop to well, which sets off that pain

    Phoebe, you are the first person I have heard have similar pains, that in a sick way, makes me feel better

    Hot bathes help but an hour after getting out, it wears off, I can re try a& d or the silicon lotromin, maybe that will help , haven't
    tried either in a while- wearing mens boxers helpe during and after treatment, maybe I should re try that, mostly comando now-
    boxers were easier when my clothe were a tad bigger, kwim
  • sephie
    sephie Member Posts: 650 Member
    Ninjacat said:

    I do exercise frequently,
    I do exercise frequently, and that helps in the sense, I get no pains lol, get distracted

    I do eat well, which is a balancing act, if I eat to well, too much fiber/fruit /vegetables, then I might poop to well, which sets off that pain

    Phoebe, you are the first person I have heard have similar pains, that in a sick way, makes me feel better

    Hot bathes help but an hour after getting out, it wears off, I can re try a& d or the silicon lotromin, maybe that will help , haven't
    tried either in a while- wearing mens boxers helpe during and after treatment, maybe I should re try that, mostly comando now-
    boxers were easier when my clothe were a tad bigger, kwim

    still hurt
    you are not alone. first, before you go in the morning , put on glove (or Not) and put a little ky jelly on anus. helps the slide. then make sure after you go that area is dry. blot with soft cloth. use water bottle if toilet paper hurts. i used biafine, aquaphor, becuase allergic to sufadiazine. i did not use any painkillers cause feared constipation. i still can not sit for long periods ( i am 3 yrs post tx)... we are all different. i do not wear jeans anymore. i wear oversize leggings. did not wear underwear for 2.5 years. good luck . sorry for your troubles. sephie
  • Ninjacat
    Ninjacat Member Posts: 5
    sephie said:

    still hurt
    you are not alone. first, before you go in the morning , put on glove (or Not) and put a little ky jelly on anus. helps the slide. then make sure after you go that area is dry. blot with soft cloth. use water bottle if toilet paper hurts. i used biafine, aquaphor, becuase allergic to sufadiazine. i did not use any painkillers cause feared constipation. i still can not sit for long periods ( i am 3 yrs post tx)... we are all different. i do not wear jeans anymore. i wear oversize leggings. did not wear underwear for 2.5 years. good luck . sorry for your troubles. sephie

    Flushable wipes are a
    Flushable wipes are a godsend, thankfully the pooping doesn't hurt much, just the after poop, f that makes sense

    Thanks for replying Sephie, again, starting to think it was just me, doctors and nurses hear me, seem to believe me but lately get the " you should be better" look , kwim? Also, I suffer from being way chipper and happy, so I am sure that doesn't help much, I am happy and delightful but it still freaking hurts like hell, most of the time
  • z810840b
    z810840b Member Posts: 207 Member
    Ninjacat said:

    Flushable wipes are a
    Flushable wipes are a godsend, thankfully the pooping doesn't hurt much, just the after poop, f that makes sense

    Thanks for replying Sephie, again, starting to think it was just me, doctors and nurses hear me, seem to believe me but lately get the " you should be better" look , kwim? Also, I suffer from being way chipper and happy, so I am sure that doesn't help much, I am happy and delightful but it still freaking hurts like hell, most of the time

    pain
    i understand what you mean that the pain starts afterwards...i used to call it a headache in my ****.Take advill before or right after you have a bowel movement...it used to help me.Get yourself some Tucks..They are medicated and soothing.Also i would sit in a sitz bath if it was really aching..I am 4 years out and i can say its only been about a year since my butt stopped hurting after going to the bathroom.I also wear the softest cotton underwear i can find..Sometimes if i get irritated i use aquafor .Also..drink lots of water...neutralizes the urine and doesn't irritate.Hope this helps...alyse
  • danker
    danker Member Posts: 1,276 Member
    bun burns
    Try RADIAGEL. You can get it at wallmart--no prescription needed, It sure helped me!!
  • Ninjacat
    Ninjacat Member Posts: 5
    danker said:

    bun burns
    Try RADIAGEL. You can get it at wallmart--no prescription needed, It sure helped me!!

    Flush able wipes are a
    Flush able wipes are a godsend will look for radigel.

    Those with radiation burns on thighs or inner thighs,
    Does r skin look normal ?
  • sephie
    sephie Member Posts: 650 Member
    Ninjacat said:

    Flush able wipes are a
    Flush able wipes are a godsend will look for radigel.

    Those with radiation burns on thighs or inner thighs,
    Does r skin look normal ?

    yes
    now my skin looks normal but took a while. my skin was almost black. i can not remember how long because my other parts were such a mess and hurt so much that i really did not think about the leg crease. it will get better. sephie