Stardust wrote:Okay, so. Stage IV rectal cancer w/lung mets, no surgeries, just radiation & chemo, diagnosed ~2.5 years ago.
Here's my problem: I seem to have lost strength entirely in my sphincter muscles. When my upper colon decides it's time to move a "package" along, I have to be able to recognize this fact and get myself to a bathroom within 30 seconds-2 minutes, or else it's coming out no matter what. I can't hold it in at all. When I tried doing an enema one time when I was constipated, the nurse said to try to hold it in for a half hour - impossible, I barely made it 15 seconds.
Has anyone else experienced this? I have a theory that it's because the radiation "cooked" my rectal muscles, but I also see that fecal incontinence can be a result of neuropathy, which I also have.
Are there any treatments for this, that I can ask my doctor about?
--Stardust
tammylayne wrote:I am not saying other remedies will not work, for many people they have. All I know is I tried many of them, and my quality of life did not improve. I read how some people are able to get to an ok point, but they have eliminated most of the foods they enjoy to get there. I guess I don't understand the reluctance to try the daily enema. The ONLY difference is the 2 minutes for water to go painlessly in...then I go directly to the toilet and just let it come out. Not sure what the stigma is. You sppend less time then some people that are going 3-5 times a day, and you pick the time and place. No surprises.
I understand it will not be for everyone, and not everyone will have amazing results...but you owe it to yourself to try. I say give it 2 weeks to find what works, and if after that you dont feel your quality of life has improved...stop and try something else.
Open to any and all questions. Just trying to make the world better, one enema at a time
MaryannW wrote:I have begun to use enemas in my arsenal thanks to people like tammylane giving me the confidence to try. It takes a lot to think that you need an enema to go to the toilet but in reality it’s quite easy. 20 minutes, a cup and a half of water and I’m good for 1.5 days. I’m still trailing frequency of enemas but it’s the only thing that gives me peace of mind. I ended up with a chronic fissure my function before the enemas was so bad and I’ve tried everything. I ordered a rubber catheter from Canada which gives me no discomfort at all. You can always stop doing enemas anytime and you will get your dysfunctional bowel back but who would want that? Best decision I’ve made so far.
tammylayne wrote:My surgeon was so happy with my enema results that he started recommending it to his residents and his patients. QofL is so often left out of the equation. We are alive, be grateful. A statement made by someone who has never gone to the washroom 20 to 30 times a day - day after day. Been a hostage to their colon, or lack thereof, afraid to leave their house. Why does it matter what we do, how we go, as long as we feel better...live better.
sadysue wrote:P.S. about the daily enema. Do you use a disposable enema or one of the big hanging bags. I've tried the large size disposable enema (I think 9 oz) and they help a little. They only get stool close to the anal verge. How do you do it? Lay on the floor in the bathroom or stay close to the bathroom until you are empty? Or do you just do one bag full of water and hold it? After all these years, I am still looking for what works the best for me
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