Leg/Hip weakness/stiffness

dawn7767
dawn7767 Member Posts: 10 Member

I am 15 year post anal cancer. The last few years I have been experiencing leg and hip weakness so bad that I can' get up off the floor when I get down to get something out of the cabinets or cleaning the floors. Has anyone experienced or experiencing this also. I really think it's from treatments, I had both chemo and radiation. Any tips would be appreciated. I have done PT yes it helped but I can't afford it on a long term basis. It really helped when the therapist stretched my legs to areas that I cant. I'm getting to the point that I'm having a VERY hard time getting up without anything to support (counter, chair, step stool etc) I'm also very uneasy stepping down off a tall curb or step. 😥

Comments

  • Colin62
    Colin62 Member Posts: 2 Member

    Hi Dawn I too am having problems with pain in the hips buttocks and legs. I have had similar treat for AC as well. I am having a Ultrasound next week to check for blocked arteries. It's call Claudication. Not enough oxygen getting to the legs.

  • dawn7767
    dawn7767 Member Posts: 10 Member

    I hope all went well with the scan and you had no issues with blocked arteries.

    One medication that I was on to control my bowels I found actually made the stiffness worse. Now I'm on a different medication along with Imodium 3 times a day. I still have days where I have issues but it's now more weakness than stiffness. I want to try PT again and see if that will help but its so expensive and my insurance doesn't cover anything until I hit my deductible.

  • StarrT
    StarrT Member Posts: 4 Member

    Hey Dawn, I've had insurance limitations for yrs, so I found lotsa online video programs to help strengthen. QiGong can help not just with muscle tone… it can help address systems in the body. Many classes/ videos are SHORT - 10 or 15 minutes, so if stamina or time is an issue that helps. Also Pelvic Floor PT has helped relieve tightness, & there are some good exercises online too.

    Best 'o Luck!

    *t

  • Jet1204
    Jet1204 Member Posts: 16 Member

    Hi. I am also trying to find answers. After completing treatment I feel stiff in lower back and hips. I have started Reformer Yoga. It definitely helps strengthening a d stretching every body part. Doing yoga on a machine is definitely easier than doing it on the floor. My main question is does anyone feel like their back pops all the time? It doesn’t hurt, but it is annoying to feel the popping all the time. I had a bone density done and my bones are fine.

  • mxperry220
    mxperry220 Member Posts: 496 Member

    I was treated for anal cancer in 2008. I too have difficulty getting upright if sitting on floor, unstable on a step stool and have trouble getting out of my recliner an bed. I am 74 years old though. I have not felt like walking. I walked four days a week before cancer diagnosis. I think exercise might help with stability. You are not alone.

  • mxperry220
    mxperry220 Member Posts: 496 Member

    Same here. I am 15 years post treatment. I am 74, so do not know if it is age relate or post anal treatment long term side effects.

  • Jet1204
    Jet1204 Member Posts: 16 Member

    Thank you for the response. I am 46 years old and diagnosed at age 45. Just found it because they lowered the age for a colonoscopy.

  • Jet1204
    Jet1204 Member Posts: 16 Member
    edited November 19 #9

    Just curious if anyone has figured out how to stop occasionally bleeding after pooping. Last raidiation was 8 months ago and this is so frustrating. Drs say it must just keep getting scratched or something because my last short colonoscopy was fine. I even try stool softeners. Or how long does it stop after radiation?