I go through the same thing. I also wonder if this in "The new Normal" I have problems with constipation and bright red blood after a hard bm. My doctor said the same thing, from radiation. I am over two yrars out from treatment. I go next month for my 3rd CT scan. The last two showd No cancer. I hurt after bm's sometimes, more than not. Please let me know how you are doing.

Hello, How are you doing. I'm still have problems with moving my bowels. 

Cheryl59 said:

Hi I am.doing ok. Have you

Hi I am.doing ok. Have you thought about taking fiber. My surgeon recommended that right away. I take the generic form of Metamucil. I mix it in with 8 oz of milk and I take 2 to 3 rounded teaspoons a day. And drink lots of water! This will help with your bowel movements. Please let me know how you are! And please try that!

I'm  doing ok. I've been taking fiber choice and stool softeners. They seem to help. No bleeding since July.  I found out yesterday I have to have my gallbladder remove. UGH

So sorry to hear that you are experiencing the side effects after treatment. However, I can attest that things do get better. My treatment for stage 3b anal cancer ended in January, 2017. At first there was a lot of urgency, accidents, bleeding and diet issues. Radiation Oncologist said it would take 18 months for the radiation effects to get better. For me it was more like 2 to 2 and a half years to get back to “normal”. I can finally eat fresh fruits and veggies but steer clear of a lot of fried foods, chocolate, packaged and frozen foods with preservatives and sugary foods. I stilll can have issues on occasion if I don’t take fiber pills and eat things I shouldn’t but not often. The tissues and skin are more delicate at first but get better. Exercise like yoga and even pelvic floor therapy are very helpful to get blood flow to the area and help with scar tissue and pain. Keep faith that things will improve. I can promise that they do.

Hello, I'm doing ok. Still taking fiber in the morning and miralax in the evenings. Seems to be working. I use aquaphor everyday now. Had a sore rear last week.

I completely understand. My daughter suggested them as I was at the end of my patience. At first, I was skeptical until I experienced a terrible bout of diarrhea in public. They have been a lifesaver and have restored my sense of independence. I have had several “Oopsies” out in public. The panties kept everything in without any smell! I always carry a pair of panties and wipes in my purse. The person with me (usually my daughter) states they can’t smell a thing. My 88 year old mother wears them for incontinence both urinary and bowel and has her friends hooked too! Besides the panties, I have been following the FODMAP Diet. It has been a game changer. I had been to Dietitians, Gastroenterologists, Colorectal Surgeons, Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists. “Healthy foods” for me as an example, artichokes, avocados, bananas, etc. All the food they tell you is good for digestion. It is amazing food I ate labeled as “good” for one, is a red light for another. For me, I have cut out gluten and no longer have terrible gas pain. I only eat a non-ripe banana, etc. they have a simple App: Monash University Fodmap Diet (1 time purchase $8.00). The App is a traffic light with measurements of green, amber & red. It was hard at first, but the rewards have been amazing for me! I hope I have helped you. Attached below are the screenshots for panties and diet. Wishing you well!