Incontinence

0626june
0626june Member Posts: 73
in Anal Cancer #1

After more than 2 years, I still deal with this side effect almost daily.  Any hope? I know my diet contributes because I eat a plant-based diet and lots of green juice (kind of a Gerson Protocol)

June

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #2
    0626june

    This seems to be an all too common issue for many of us.  For me at almost 8 years post-treatment, it is impossible for me to eat the healthiest of foods, fruits and veggies, without risking incontinence.  While I have few incidents of losing control, I do have urgency with very loose stools and frequency.  Things are further complicated for me by the fact that I have a history of bowel obstructions, which these kinds of foods can cause.  I am now taking one generic Imodium per day to help slow things down in my gut without causing a blockage (I hope).  I have not tried taking a probiotic supplement, but I do eat Activia yogurt daily.  I am managing okay, but things are iffy in the mornings.  Because of the blockages, I eat all fruits and veggies cooked.  I know some people have luck taking psyllium fiber, such as Metamucil, to bulk up the stool and slow things down.  I have never tried that.   

    It is probably true that your diet is a contributor, I'm sorry to say.  I know when I travel, I eat a LOT of bread, which isn't healthy, but it greatly lowers the risk of having an accident.  If you are a coffee drinker (like I am), this can be a contributor as well.  I have tried to cut back, but have failed at that!  Chocolate can be a big trigger as well.  

    I will end by saying that years ago right after my treatment ended, my radiation oncologist told me it was safe to take Imodium on a daily basis.  If you are not doing that, you might give it a try.  Perhaps start by taking 1/2 tablet daily and see if it helps, increasing if you need to.  My heart goes out to you, as I know how frustrating this all must be.  I hope you can find something that will help.

    Martha 

  • mxperry220
    mxperry220 Member Posts: 496 Member
    #3
    Immodium

    I take two immodium daily and have been doing so since 2008.  My radiation oncologist also said immodium would not be harmful.  I have not had a diarrhea issue but have had frequency issues.  Immodium seems to help slow urgency issues.  I am able to eat raw fruits but beans can be an issue.  Mornings are more of a challenge than afternoons.

    Mike 

  • TraceyUSA
    TraceyUSA Member Posts: 316
    #4
    0626june

    I am over 3 years post treatment and have frequency & urgency issues as well.  I take a probiotic daily (in addition to my daily Greek yogurt) which I think my help.  I tried the psyllium fiber and I think it helped to bulk up the stool and decrease frequency but I got lazy and quit using it (if you look for older posts there is specific way to use it, not as directed on the bottle).  I eat a lot of fruits and vegi's and love my coffee but so far my issues are managable.

  • cjbunson
    cjbunson Member Posts: 2
    #5
    surgery vs naturopathic treatment

    I am faced with surgery to remove squamous cells on my exterior anus.  I am very freaful that they cannot get all of the cancer tissue and I will have to be faced with more surgery or chemo and radiation as next stage of the process.  In reading about natural treatments using herbs and spices and holistic diet, I see numerous success stories but no clinical studies on humans and the medical profession does not promote this approach.  I am looking for any comments from others who suffer with anal cancer.  I would like to know your thoughts on alternative treatments in hindsight after undergoing the medical route.  Also if anyone is looking into the natural treatment if you can share what your approach may be.

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    edited September 2016 #6
    cjbunson

    I received that standard treatment of chemo/radiation.  I'm an 8-year survivor.  I am glad that I went with conventional treatment and never considered any alternative.

  • Salsify
    Salsify Member Posts: 37 Member
    #7
    poop stories

    0626june, that is what brought me to this board today! I am close to a year post treatment now, and still feel like my bowels take up an extraordinary amount of my day. Someone on this board, I think refered to "whale snot" or something like that. I think of that often. In the morning before going to work, I spend hours on the toilet trying to let everything possible move through, especially gas. Gas seems to drag whale snot with it too often for me to be willing to pass gas unless on a toilet if I can possibly help it.

    Today I am home on a vacation day with so many things to do I do not know where to start. I was overwhelmed by life BEFORE my diagnosis & treatment, and that only put me farther behind. But on a day out of work, the most enjoyable thing seems to be - I can sit on the toilet anytime I feel an urge. Pretty sad, huh?!

    There. I needed to vent, I guess, and your post just pulled the plug on it!

    And I thank everyone with the positive suggestions!

    sally

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