Post Radiation

Hello,

I am five weeks post radiation. My appetite returned about three weeks ago. However, I am still having painful bowel movement. The pain is in the anal area during the movement. It feels like a tearing pain. Did anyone have this experience?

I went for my first checkup with the oncologist today. After an exam he tells me there are scar tissues and that this may be causing the pain. He hopes to see the swelling go down when I see him again in two months. He did express concern about hidden tumors in the scar tissue??? But other than that, he says I am "on the mend".

I was also given the dilator. The nurse tells me to use it 3-5 times until I see doctor, two months! How long did you ladies use it? I told doc and nurse I have resumed sexual intercourse but they feel it is still necessary. What is your experience?

Thanks for your support.

Wow...time goes quickly.....I can't believe that you are 5 weeks post radiation all ready.
Anyway I had terrible pain during radiation with my movements and when I urinated. It did subside as time went on. There were times when I bled as well. Oh man, do I remember those days.
It did get better.........

The good old dilator........I was told to use it forever, three times a week, unless I am having sex that frequent. Well guess what, ....I am single!

Please feel free to email me at anytime....You may want to look up some of my old threads as well.......Robyn will be around shortly, she and I had our radiation at the same time.

Did you have any internal radiation, or just external?

Valentina

I am now 9 mths post op and am pretty well back to normal

I did have the painful bowel movements and urination. At the time , I just didnt think I would survive it. But it does get better. The radiation beams cant distinguish from good and bad cells/tissue so lots of damage is done to the healthy tissue. My radiation oncologist prescribed painkillers in the form of suppositories , which did help some. It does get better. Try to keep the motions as soft as possible and dont strain.

Now to the dreaded dilator. I hate it , but it is a necessary evil. The radiation can cause scarring and shrinking of the vaginal wall and it is important to keep the vagina open for further checks as well as for sex My oncologist suggests using it nightly for 5 mins for the rest of my life " OH WHAT JOY" I cant imagine using it when I am 70 When I was first given it , I only used it about 4 times a week but this past week I have been using it nightly and it really is getting easier and the pain is lessening.
I was advised not to use it instead of sex or vice versa, to keep them separate, that is more for the emotional aspect I think.

Please do let us know how it all goes and if you need us anytime , just come here ,we are waiting

These are a couple of threads which may help:

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...owel+movements

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...hlight=dilator

If you do a search under these topics in the cancer concerns forum you will find lots of info : dilator, bowel movements,

and these user names : hurriedh, breezyb, valentina , juneali and robynb
Best of luck and anytime you need help , just email me xx

HI,

I JUST WANTED TO GIVE YOU A BIG HUG

I'M SORRY ABOUT THE PAIN YOUR HAVING, I CAN'T SAY

MUCH ABOUT YOUR SITUATION AS I HAVE NOT NEEDED

ANY TREATMENTS AFTER MY HYST.

I DO WANT TO SAY THAT THESE LADIES CAN SURE TAKE A

BAD SITUATION AND MAKE LIGHT OF IT. THEY ARE TRULY

INCREDIBLE!! I HAD TO LOL WHEN I READ THEIR POSTS AND I'M

SURE YOU DID TOO. WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT THEM?

GOD BLESS , STAY HEALTHY NOW!!