Anal Cancer - Loose BM's

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sabogert
sabogert Member Posts: 1
in Anal Cancer #1

I am 1 1/2 years post treatment for stage 2 anal cancer.  I am looking for advice/suggestions on how to deal with loose BM's - or if anyone has experienced this problem.  I can be completely fine, but then will have a day or two where my BM's is somewhat loose, but more important, constant throughout the day.  Not diarrhea.  Just a little bit each time.  Can be 10 or more times during the day.  Not sure if it's what I'm eating or poor muscle control.  Doctors have suggested more fiber which I am doing.  Anyone else with this problem?  Most topicslisted here have constipation issues.  That I do not have, thankfully.  Thanks.

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  • mxperry220
    mxperry220 Member Posts: 493 Member
    #2
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    Fiber

    Fiber can be your worst enemy.  I am 8 plus years post treatment and still have to limit my fiber intake.  Frequent BMs can be a permanent side effect of anal cancer.  I went from 1-2 BMs daily to 3-4 now.  I take two immodiums daily.  Like you diahrrea is not an issue.  I was diagnosed Stage 2 as you in 2008.  The first two years were a real challenge with BMs.  I made sure I knew where a restroom was when I went anywhere.  It has gotten better but I have noticed if I am stressed my BMs are more frequent.

    Mike

  • TraceyUSA
    TraceyUSA Member Posts: 316
    edited March 2017 #3
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    Sabogert

    I am 4 years post treatment and still have issues with frequency & urgency.  I was told use Konsyl, which is a psyllium fiber.  I didn't understand how this could help when it's a laxative.  The trick is to use it as a stool bulker by adding less water.  (Look at older posts or I believe MD Anderson's website also has a guide for usage.  I'll also go back & look & repost it. )  It worked (however it did not take me to the way I was prior to treatment) but I've become lazy & have not been using it.

    Tracey

  • MaryKK
    MaryKK Member Posts: 1
    #4
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    Physical Therapy

    Hi,  I am 8 months post treatment for stage 1 anal cancer.  Frequent BM's and some fecal incontinence are a real irritation.  Happy to be post treatment and grateful for the treatment received, but was searching for a way to improve this quality of life issue as much as possible.  The docs offered no real advice but then I heard about physical therapy for weak anal sphincter and the pelvic floor.  This was a real game changer.  After a initial consult and evaluation I was given a series of exercises to do at home 3 x per day.  The change has been dramatic!  I wish the doctors would have mentioned this option and am writing to let others know in case it might be an option for them.

     

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    edited April 2017 #5
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    MaryKK

    Thanks for posting this helpful reminder!  I'm glad PT is helping you and I wish you continued recovery!

    Martha

  • Salsify
    Salsify Member Posts: 37 Member
    edited July 2017 #6
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    Gluten?

    In the year and a half since finishing treatment I have been plaqued with freguent loose BM's. The last week or so I took protein bars instead of a sandwich in my lunch, mostly because I was feeling lazy. But the last few days my morning toilet sessions have been less frequent and less loose, which makes me wonder if my tolerence for gluten might have changed? Anybody have insight into this?

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    edited July 2017 #7
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    Lactose

    I seem to tolerate gluten ok, it's lactose, overly fatty food, and too many raw fruits and veggies that trigger me.

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #8
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    Mollymaude said:

    Lactose

    I seem to tolerate gluten ok, it's lactose, overly fatty food, and too many raw fruits and veggies that trigger me.

    Mollymaude

    I have the same issues as you do.

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