I Need Advice on Protection

cph1127
cph1127 Member Posts: 51
in Anal Cancer #1
Well it has been 3 months since my last tx. I have returned to work on a very limited time frame and I am having trouble with not making it to the bathroom in time. I never know when it is going to hit and since the radiation did such a number on my opening I have very little control. In the last 3 weeks I have had to go directly home and jump in the tub. This is not diarrhea but just mushy (sorry for the graphics). So I have decided I need to wear a diaper or protection while I am out of the house.

Does anyone have experience with this after your treatment and what brands are the best. I really do not want it to show under my clothes. Thanks for any suggestions.

Comments

  • Dee2005
    Dee2005 Member Posts: 24
    #2
    Oh boy
    Geez, I hated that! I at one point couldn't even hold solid bowel movements. Have you spoken to your doctors about this? Sometimes spinchters get damaged and don't work properly and need time to heal. The diapers will help, but double check with your doctors. Wishing you the best and a quick resolution to your problem. I am so sorry you are going thru this! I really feel for you and completely understand!
  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member
    #3
    cph
    I experienced control issues for a good 6 months. I knew when I felt I had to go I better go now, no putting it off. I am fortunate that I had no accidents at work, but I had some at home. It just takes a while for our insides and the spincter muscle to heal. I think diapers are a great idea. I wish you well. Lori
  • AZANNIE
    AZANNIE Member Posts: 445 Member
    #4
    cph1127
    I know what you mean. I completed treatments June 1, but as a precaution wear a brief whenever I leave the house. I've tried Depends and Affirm (Target's brand). They're like pull ups and are a bit bulky. Affirm brand has softer elastic.
  • duckyann
    duckyann Member Posts: 159
    #5
    AZANNIE said:

    cph1127
    I know what you mean. I completed treatments June 1, but as a precaution wear a brief whenever I leave the house. I've tried Depends and Affirm (Target's brand). They're like pull ups and are a bit bulky. Affirm brand has softer elastic.

    cph - I also had problems
    cph - I also had problems and still do occasionally. I have been lucky that it hasn't happened out either. Usually when I am at work if someone is in the bathroom and I have to go I just SCREAM and say hurry up and get out....hahaha as I sit in the hallway! Annoying but I am happy to be here! It will get better just give it time.
  • cph1127
    cph1127 Member Posts: 51
    #6
    duckyann said:

    cph - I also had problems
    cph - I also had problems and still do occasionally. I have been lucky that it hasn't happened out either. Usually when I am at work if someone is in the bathroom and I have to go I just SCREAM and say hurry up and get out....hahaha as I sit in the hallway! Annoying but I am happy to be here! It will get better just give it time.

    Thanks
    I know what you mean. I had that happen today but I made it in time. Had a depend on but it is so bulky that it has rubbed me raw. Oh well, like you said - I am thankful to the good Lord that I am spending Thanksgiving with my family this year and not in a hospital or worse. Have a wonderful Turkey Day Cindy
  • mxperry220
    mxperry220 Member Posts: 496 Member
    #7
    Immodium
    I am 34 months post treatment and take 3 immodium daily. The oncologist said it would not hurt to take them indefinitely. The first 6 months post treatment were a challenge. I do not have diarrhea but was having 4-6 BMs daily. I also have been eating ACTIVIA yogart which has probiotics which help regulate the colon. I now have 2-3 controlled BMs daily. Prior to anal cancer my norm was 2-3 BMs daily.

    Hope this helps.
  • alis7910
    alis7910 Member Posts: 80
    #8
    protection
    Hi:
    I am a little over 2 years after treatment, and I still am incontinent once in a while when I am out and not right near a bathroom; it definitely causes stress. What I do is carry and extra pair of underpants and panty-liners at all times, and sometimes an extra pair of pants. i also wear panty-liners at all times. if diapers make you feel safer- go for it. I think they are coming out with new designs all the time.
    Hang in there; it does get easier with time.
  • melbas
    melbas Member Posts: 43
    #9
    alis7910 said:

    protection
    Hi:
    I am a little over 2 years after treatment, and I still am incontinent once in a while when I am out and not right near a bathroom; it definitely causes stress. What I do is carry and extra pair of underpants and panty-liners at all times, and sometimes an extra pair of pants. i also wear panty-liners at all times. if diapers make you feel safer- go for it. I think they are coming out with new designs all the time.
    Hang in there; it does get easier with time.

    protection
    I am at a year and a half post tx, and am still having problems with it. I have not gone back to work because of that plus other side effects. I keep reading that it will get better, so I just keep praying. Good luck, Melodie
  • AZANNIE
    AZANNIE Member Posts: 445 Member
    #10
    cph1127 said:

    Thanks
    I know what you mean. I had that happen today but I made it in time. Had a depend on but it is so bulky that it has rubbed me raw. Oh well, like you said - I am thankful to the good Lord that I am spending Thanksgiving with my family this year and not in a hospital or worse. Have a wonderful Turkey Day Cindy

    cph
    Try the Walmart brand. They seem to be softer and less bulky and they're also cheaper. Some brands feel like a bale of cotton...lol
  • Boobits
    Boobits Member Posts: 28
    #11
    melbas said:

    protection
    I am at a year and a half post tx, and am still having problems with it. I have not gone back to work because of that plus other side effects. I keep reading that it will get better, so I just keep praying. Good luck, Melodie

    I just happened to see this
    I just happened to see this subject, since it is constantly on my mind.

    Am trying to find the right level of protection when I need it. So far using a panty liner has helped a lot, but I have gone a step further and use a gauze square or a cotton cosmetic pad. Sorry to gross you out, but I fold them over and stick it between my 'cheeks' to help block my butt. It is a big help, especially when I don't know how my body is going to behave on any given day; it's particularly helpful in the mornings and when I have to go out for a while. At first it felt lumpy, but I have gotten used to it, and it has saved a lot of underwear!

    I swore that when I finished treatment I would splurge on new undies, but now that I know that there is no 'normal' for me, maybe not.
  • duckyann
    duckyann Member Posts: 159
    #12
    Boobits said:

    I just happened to see this
    I just happened to see this subject, since it is constantly on my mind.

    Am trying to find the right level of protection when I need it. So far using a panty liner has helped a lot, but I have gone a step further and use a gauze square or a cotton cosmetic pad. Sorry to gross you out, but I fold them over and stick it between my 'cheeks' to help block my butt. It is a big help, especially when I don't know how my body is going to behave on any given day; it's particularly helpful in the mornings and when I have to go out for a while. At first it felt lumpy, but I have gotten used to it, and it has saved a lot of underwear!

    I swore that when I finished treatment I would splurge on new undies, but now that I know that there is no 'normal' for me, maybe not.

    Hi Boobits
    I don't use gauze between my cheeks but I do use cotton balls and it really does help. It is the same concept. I am almost 31 months past treatment and still have to do this sometimes. Actually before and during treatments my colorectal doctor recommended I do this to catch the so called "discharge". Sorry for the graphics. I also thought I would buy some new undies and well I have but only cheap ones for now...hahaha Oh well I can live with this as long as I am here and cancer free!

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