Pain duration

mp327 said:

Adam

Of course everyone is different and I can only relay my own experience, but I remember having painful BM's for a few months post-treatment.  They weren't all painful, but some were, especially if I got constipated or had a larger than normal BM.  Your mom's anal canal probably has some stenosis, meaning it is narrower than before, which can cause pressure, discomfort and pain with BM's.  Another issue that some people experience after having radiation is an anal fissure.  Her doctor should be able to tell whether or not this is the cause of her pain by examining her.  I would say it is not out of the realm of normal to have some pain, but if you or your mom are concerned, then I would bring it to the attention of her doctor.

Martha

"Another issue that some people experience after having radiation is an anal fissure."

Oh, great good gosh and by golly, so, very, very true!!! I developed fissures as soon as my tissues reached full-fry during radiation. They have returned since then, practically on a schedule and are extremely painful, especially when passing stools and for hours afterwards. The follow-up scopings were especially painful bacause they tore the fissures open again. Although I have little bleeding from them, many sufferers can have significant amounts.

According to the biopsies, I also have inflammation, dysplasia (AIN-1), and parakeratosis in my anal canal, all conditions that cause continued discomfort. I pass lots of mucous, sometimes bloody, probably from the mentioned inflammatory processes. I still require the occasional oxycodone when the fissure pain is particularly fiece. (I take a compound called Percoset here in the US - oxycodone 5mg + acetaminophen/paracetamol 325mg.) Perhaps Mum has similar nasty after-effects?

Adam26 said:

Thanks for your replies guys,

Thanks for your replies guys, hope you are keeping well and happy!

It's been nearly 4 months post treatment. She said to me earlier that the pain used to be excruciating during a BM and it has gradually got better over those 4 months. I think she said it was a 10/10 in terms of pain, then a 6 and now like a 4, so she isn't particularly worried but I suppose annoyed more than anything as she took the time to tell me about it! She did also have spots of blood on tissue paper (don't know what you guys call it over there, loo roll?), I'm guessing that's part and parcel with having the chemo/radio?

Your mom may experience occasional bleeding.  As my radiation oncologist explained to me, the radiation thins the lining of the intestines and that makes the blood vessels closer to the surface.  When stool passes by, especially hard stool, it can cause bleeding.  This does not mean that cancer has returned, it is just an ongoing side effect from the radiation and something many of us live with.  I know how upsetting it can be to see the blood on the toilet tissue, so I understand your concerns.  The fact that her pain has gradually decreased is good and I hope it will continue to do so until she has painfree BM's.  It will happen in time.

Martha

Adam26 said:

Thanks Martha,
This is very

Thanks Martha,

This is very useful info as always : )

Hope you are well,

Adam

You are very welcome.  I am doing fine, thanks!

Martha