House Arrest...

I hate to admit this
But when I was in your shoes, I had to wear depends, its embarrassing but at least It gave me some security just in case I were to have an accident while I was out. Also carry extra ones too. May I ask when you have these urgencies are you actually producing anything or is it just the urgency to go? I ask because sometimes I would just take a Xanax to calm me down, most times when you are stressing it tends to make you have to go to the bathroom even if you dont produce anything, ya know what I mean. JUst my opinion...

Good Luck and believe me you are not alone in this...

Take care
Beth

Irregular and urgency issues
I understand all to well with what you are saying. The damage to my anal muscles from the cancer and radiation doesn't allow me much ability to try to stop it when it starts coming, I also have chronic diahrea from the secondary infection I got from the Chemo. I refused to let it control my life or stop me from living.

My family has been very supportive here at home and understand that I might pop in the bathroom at anytime if they are in the shower or tub, no matter how shocking it might be. In fact I keep the little key to unlock the bathroom door very near by.

I have began to learn what foods, and stresses make it worse, so when I do go out, I avoid these foods, believe me I have had my share of accidents, but I gracefully go in and take care of the situation. I guess too my having a 2 year old, I just look at it as if I am dealing with her. I have stopped at resturants, and given no explanation, just asked to use the restroom and have yet been turned down. I don't give my friends a second thought, as if they are going to get offended because I jump and run to the bathroom, then they are not very carring friends, they all know I went through the cancer, and though I have never openly explained the after affects, there just seems to be an accepting understanding.

Mine has gotten better as time has gone by and I am learning to tell the differences between the false urgencies and the true urgencies. I would wear the depends to get to my treatments, no one will know but you, carry an extra pair or two, also at most dollar stores you can buy scented bags used to dispose baby diapers in, keep these in your bag as well, it makes the disposal so much more discrete.

Debbie

Potty Issues
The first two months after takedown were the worst for me and it has since gotten better, partly because I eat differently and partly due to medication regimen. Here's what I do:

Eating: I limit
*chocolate
*alcohol
*raw veggies (instant salad shooter!)cooked are ok
*fresh fruit (canned is ok)
*fried foods
*Oreos are the worst for me

Add:
Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast (brat diet)

Meds:
First sign of ANY diarrhea for the day: one dose Pepto Bismal, 2 Lomotil pills (prescription), 2 Immodium pills

Each loose stool after: one dose Pepto Bismal (2 TBSP), 1 Lomotil, 1 Immodium (up to 8 per day)

The medication regimen I'm on now is different but the above was recommended by my doctor after my takedown last year and has served me well. You need to check with your doctor before you start it, but you'll need a prescription for Lomotil anyway if you decide to try it. I found that dietary changes alone just didn't work for me.

I hope this helps,

Kimby