Advice Needed!!

I wish I had found this website months ago!  I was diagnosed with rectal cancer in 7/07.  I had radiation and chemo and a transanal excision.  The pathology report from the surgery showed a few cancer cells still present.  My doctor said there was no way to tell if they were alive or dead so he advised me to have my rectum removed.  I had the surgery on 11/13/07 with an ostomy for a little over 3 months.  I just had the ostomy takedown on 2/2808.  I feel great,but now I have over 20 bowel movements a day.  I take metamucil, Imodium, and Lomotil everyday and this has helped some.  The MAIN PROBLEM is muscle control.  The doc said to do Kegels and that would strengthen the spincter muscle.  I wish he had told me to do them after the other surgery.  My muscle has had 3 months of doing nothing.  Has anyone else had this problem?  Does it get better with time and if so, about how long?  I hope I don't have to worry about pooping in my pants for the rest of my life. I am 50 years old, a teacher and want to get back to my job as soon as possible. 

My prayers are with you all and would appreciate your prayers also!

Thanks so much,

RosyDosy

Hi,

 

I sent you a private message via this web site.

Jaynee

I have experienced your same problem and have found that opium tincture helps some.  I only had a portion of my rectum removed, no colostomy but did have chemo/radiation, then major surgery followed by more chemo.  I had stage III colorectal cancer.  Are you having soreness and burning in the rectal area?  I have tried various ointments (A&D, etc) and although soothing at the time, does not prevent these uncomfortable symptoms.  Vicodin has also helped but I am hesitant on taking too much.  If I want to go shopping I do not eat anything before as food consumption seems to trigger diarrhea and excessive bowel movements.  I know I have not answered your questions but evidently time helps.

Good luck and I hope you get back to your teaching career with minimal problems.

J'nette

 

Dear J'nette,

Thanks so much for replying to my message.  I have tried Desitin and vasoline for the butt burn, but haven't heard of opium tincture.  Do I get it from a drug store or Walmart?

I have found that I can't eat some foods--they cause diarrhea.  Thanks for the shopping advice.  I knew right now that is out of the question.  I guess my going out to eat days are over.  I'm glad to hear that time does help.

Thanks so much!!

RosyDosy

Thanks!  I sent you a private message on this website.

RosyDosy

The opium tincture (laudanum) is available by presc only and is for extreme diarrhea (which you and I experience).  My dosage is .06 millilitir 4 times daily in liquid form. This is less than 1/4 tsp. Since it is a narcotic I limit the usage -- normally twice a day. One side effect can be dizziness and being light-headed, something you would not want if you resume teaching.  In the meantime I hope this helps.

And you will learn to scope out the bathrooms when you are able to go out and about -- the first thing I do when shopping.  Also wearing plenty of protection and carrying an extra change of clothes is a must. 

And one other tip I might offer for the burning is to finish wiping yourself with liquid Maalox. Externally it can have a cooling effect. 

J'nette

 

On 3/18/2008 Jnette wrote:

The opium tincture (laudanum) is available by presc only and is for extreme diarrhea (which you and I experience).  My dosage is .06 millilitir 4 times daily in liquid form. This is less than 1/4 tsp. Since it is a narcotic I limit the usage -- normally twice a day. One side effect can be dizziness and being light-headed, something you would not want if you resume teaching.  In the meantime I hope this helps.

And you will learn to scope out the bathrooms when you are able to go out and about -- the first thing I do when shopping.  Also wearing plenty of protection and carrying an extra change of clothes is a must. 

And one other tip I might offer for the burning is to finish wiping yourself with liquid Maalox. Externally it can have a cooling effect. 

J'nette

J'nette,

Thanks for the advice.  I have already started using the Maalox!  How long has it been since your surgery?

RosyDosy

My surgery was the latter part of May -- a 9 hr procedure with a 10 day hospital stay.  Chemo followed mid-July and ended in October '07.. My previous chemo/radiation was in Feb & March of '07 so I had a lot of areas treated that has contributed to the chronic diarrhea.  With the type of surgery you had I am sure you will be able to manage your frequent bowel movements in a short amount of time as compared to myself.

 Take care and keep me in your prayers.  You are in mine....J'nette

Hi there......... I am new here trying to find answers for my father.  The was diagnosed with rectal cancer 6-07 went through radiation & chemo, then has surgery in Sept.  They removed the entire rectum without giving him a bag.  He has done fairly well.  He has is days where he is on the toliet all day, but from what I am reading this sounds normal, small amounts frequently.  His other problem is the burning of the anus and gas.  I read use Maalox?? Does this really help?  It is so wierd how his rear may be burning so bad and then a couple hours later just fine.  We are going to try the Maalox.  Any suggestions for the gas? 

Hi,

Your father probably needs to watch what he eats for the gas.  I have not experienced that yet, but the butt burn, yes!  I use baby wipes and Desitin all the time.  Does he have muscle control? I hope mine gets better.

Good luck to your dad.  I will be praying for him

RosyDosy