Hi, I don't have exactly the same problems as you but I did suddenly start suffering from terribke constipation about 3 months ago and it has caused so much pain.  Mine is combined with a bladder that doesnt work very well and causes me terrible pain that brings me to tears also.  I cant sleep for more than an hour and am up most of the night - I dread going to the loo. Have your doctors given you any help - mine haven't!  :-(

Hi Discordia and Pauline

How utterly miserable for you both.  Hubby had constipation and the resultant piles (and though a non cancer sufferer I have myself suffered with both).  His consultant was aware and he was prescribed laxatives to take daily to counteract the constipation (side effect of his chemo) and used a a prescribed cream (really sorry cannot remember it's name) which gave better pain relief than the over the counter pile suppositories/creams.  I also found that 'slapping on' barrier cream just prior to going to the loo helped but you may  have to check with nurse/oncologist/GP or pharmacy if its okay to take alongside any other medication (my barrier cream was normally used for baby's bottoms).  Take care ladies, Jules x

Hi Discordia and Pauline,

I really feel for you both, although I don't have quite the same problems as you. 

Discordia, I had 25 sessions of pelvic radiotherapy and thiis caused immense pain when going to the toilet - as you describe, like passing glass! I was given some creams to help called Diprobase and Flamazine, though I'm not sure whether these can be applied internally. I was also prescribed laxido to help with the constipation. Not sure if this info is any good. Do you have contact details of a specialist nurse? Or your Oncologist's secretary to let them know just how much you're struggling.

Pauline, like you, I'm having bladder problems - brain and bladder not communicating! And I have to sit for ages before I can pass urine (have to run the taps too!) and rock backwards and forwards! 

I've seen a Urologist who  prescribed medication to 'relax' my bladder (Solefenacin) and he also put me on 3 hour toilet stops! Had to put an alarm on my phone! Most recently, I've been taught how to self catheterise, but unfortunately, I'm not a natural at it! Could you ask to be referred to the urology team?

I hate to think of you both suffering. Sending you both a big hug, Jo xx

I am so sorry you are going through this Pauline!! I feel your pain. my doctors haven't been too much help. they prescribed me anusol, which can only be applied externally (which doesn't solve my problem as the shards of glass pain is inside) and I can use the prep h inside and out but I found for me it doesn't help with the pain. I see my oncologist in a week so I am going to beg him to do something or send me to someone who can help. This is just horrific. :(

thank you for your response Jules! I will definitely be asking my oncologist again about this issue again when I see him next week. especially with the chemo making it harder for my body to heal, I hope there is SOMETHING, anything they can give me to help!

Hi Meerkat, I am SO sorry you've had to go through radiation, and so much of it! I'm glad you know what I'm talking about though, most people just nod like they understand when I say it's literally like passing shards of glass, but most I don't think have experienced it. I'm going to see my oncologist next week and I'm going to beg him to help. I'd even do a surgery at this point, if it would help! although I'm sure that's out of the question because they told me before they have to stop my chemo for 6 weeks before my upcoming 3rd major abdominal surgery. CANCER SUCKS!!!!!!!!! words cannot even describe my hatred for it and the havoc it's wreaked on my body.

Hi Discordia

We have some information which you might find helpful here.

Please do contact our nurses if you would like to talk to someone ahead of your appointment next week.

The quickest way to speak to the team is by calling freephone: 0808 800 4040 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Best wishes

Jane 

Hi, Jo, I spend half the night walking round the house, sitting on the loo, taps running and feel sograteful for the occasional thimble full.  But the pain, my God, its excruciating.  Does this Solefenacin work?  I was told by one doctor that my peritoneal cancer has affected my bladder and bowels and there will be quite serious consequencies soon. The next doctor said because of my age (71)  this would have happened anyway.  I don't believe that.  How are you now with the help in place?  With everything else going on in your life it must be so hard,  sending my love and best wishes.

Oh Pauline, bless your heart. I'm certainly nowhere near the agony you're going through. 

At first, the Solefenacin seemed to help - I was on 5mg per day, but after a week I noticed the same bladder discomfort returning and the urologist increased the dosage to 10mg per day. A couple of months down the line, if I'm honest, I'm no longer convinced about its effectiveness. 

The urologist has discussed the option of being permanently catheterised, but as I'm 'managing' the incontinence issues and certainly not experiencing the pain you're suffering, I'm holding out on that option for the time being. Is this an option you may be able to investigate / consider? Sorry, I don't  know if this would be possible with your type of Cancer.

At my last appointment, an ultrasound showed I was within 'normal ranges' for emptying my bladder, but as we've discussed, it's such a battle to wee! 

My pain nurse is referring me to the community nurse team so that I can call them out at any time, 24/7, to catheterise me should I need it. 

Pauline, you too have so much going on in your life and I really wish you were getting the medical support I seem to have been offered. 

You offer so much support to others on the forum; I so wish I could take your pain away! Sending you a massive hug sweetheart, Jo xx

Pauline, I've just checked why the Solefenacin was prescribed for me and it was actually to help with bladder incontinence! So sorry I've given you false information - it was to 'relax' my bladder, but with the intention of helping with the involuntary incontinence I experience! Apologies! X

We are in exactly the same boat.   After my 6th chemo I ended up with hemerrhoids and fissures.  Pooping shards of glass is exactly how it feels!  I have been climbing the walls for 4 weeks now.  I did much research on it and found the best treatment is nitroglycerin ointment and sitz baths after every movement.  I too have many movements a day  that is why my pain last up to 10 hours a day. I just got my prescription yesterday and am praying this pain will cease and soon.  As you said, it's bad enough we have to deal with all the chemo issues, this just feels like hell.  Hope you feel better soon.