thin stools and itching

pem said:

Marynb & Rosec

thanks again Rosec and Marynb for your input.  I have eaten humus but did not  see a differance in my stool size.  I didn't do it daily so maybe i will try that and see. the lack of responses to my question is either due to people thinking my problem is bad news or think its to vulgar to repond to and i am sorry if i affended anyone with my topic of choice.  May god bless you all and bring good health.   Pem 

Don't worry, really nothing on here is off limits. I did not think your question was at all out of line. I have a colostomy so my whole digestive and elimination process does not usually apply. I have been here for 2yrs though and know from reading other posts that your concerns are common. The itching I did have (even though not really using that part of me), and the thinner stools I have heard others talk about as they heal. There is stenosis (shrinkage) from radiation in the anal canal. Some will improve in time  but will probably never be quite as before. Continue to drink lots of fluids and although you want some bulk you want to avoid a blockage or constipation so don't overdue. Healing is a long process so will take patience. Feel free to come here with ANY questions, we are here to help each other through this.

As always, all in my prayers.

jcruz said:

part of the healing process

Hi pem

I don't think your problem is bad news or that it is vulgar.  Everything about this cancer and the healing may be off-putting to those who aren't experiencing it but certainly not to any of us.

I think you're going through normal healing.  Stenosis will mean that the stools are thinner and I think the itching is healing, just like when you've got a scab anywhere on your skin.  I definitely experience the same thing.  I'm now 9 month post-treatment and still have some pain and occasional itching.  I have found that metamucil to bulk up the stool is very helpful.  At my surgeon's suggestion I take 4 tablespoons in a large glass of water every morning.  I also take imodium because of urgency issues, pay attention to food containing hirgher amounts of insoluble fiber (brocoli is not my friend!) and drinks lots and lots of water. 

Take care of yourself.

Hi!

I saw your post but didn't respond because others have given good advice. Nothing is taboo on here! We all have been or in the same boat & some of what we need support with is really intimate, but we  are all here for each other.

. I am 6 months post treatment & my stools vary in size & frequency. As long as I am not constipated or obstructing & I can reach a loo in time, I don't stress over it. 

Hope this makes you more comfortable aboutvposting whatever.

Liz

Funny how must of us never talked about anuses & bowel movements before but now it's a common topic (at least on this board). 

Since finishing treatment in March, I too have narrow stools along with frequent (5-6) bowel movements per day.  In May, I had a itching/burning sensation and thought I saw a bump.  I freaked out because those are symptoms I ignored and ultimately lead to this diagnosis.  I immediately saw my radiology oncologist and he saw nothing out of the ordinary.  After monitoring me for several weeks and receiving a clear PET/CT scan, he told me the best thing to do was use Aquafor ointment which I did & still do when things don't feel quite right. 

One thing I've learned from this board it that we have a new normal after treatment.

pem said:

thank you everyone

its great to know that there are people that care and understand where i am coming from.  When i dont hear any news i get scared and you all eased that  fear for me.  I will try the aquafor cause when i get itchy i tend to wipe or rub to hard with the towel or tissue and that creates friction and i get more tender, itchy and sore down under.  Maybe it will help the healing faster.  Having you all here to read my concerns means so much to me.  God bless you all...  Pem

The stool size, I believe was handled well here. It seems we have more swelling some days than others, is my best guess. But I take organic psyllium husks which is the same thing as Metamucil except mine contains no flavoring. I just put it in fresh squeezed orange or grapefruit juice first thing in the morning. It makes such a difference in my elimination. I can really tell if I miss even a day.

But the itching and irritation in the peri anal area, I have learned from my PT is best handled with Vitamin E Oil. They told me every morning and every night to oil up the whole vulva and perianal area with vitamin E oil and at night to put on top of that oil the Aquaphor, which seals the oil in. I have tried to do this regularly and it is helping a great deal. These kinds of occurrences still come and go but the Vitamin E oil helps them go faster.

If the itching is really bad, some Lidocaine ointment or some cooling gel type hemmeroid ointment might be helpful too.

I remember my Dad telling me when a sore is itching that is good, cause it means it is healing. So maybe that quote will cheer you on as well.

Hang in there,

Sandy