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Radiation anyone? Rectal pain help!

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Posted 8/24/2014 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! I was wondering if anyone has had a similar situation to what I am going through. I was dx with rectal cancer and FAP. Had a total colectomy and rectal removal with temp ileostomy and then jpouch reversal in March. Now before all surgeries I had chemo and radiation. I now have little cuts around anal area that won't heal because of the frequency of my stools. Regardless of what I take lomotil, Imodium , or questraian. Doctor seems to think that the tissue is damaged from radiation and not enough oxygen is getting to tissue. If anyone has experienced this, how long does it last and what was your solution?! Thank you for any feedback! Love this forum btw!!
Posted 8/25/2014 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
I am dealing with similar, my reversal was in april. Are you putting anything on it? I've been using A&D ointment, helps some.
Posted 8/25/2014 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
I use Destin cream or the generic of, as long as it has zinc oxide in it. But that just helps with any incontinence that gets on the skin. Has not helped in healing the cuts. Why did you have to have your jpouch?
Posted 8/27/2014 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
I do not have a j pouch, I had a straight reconnect after surgery to remove rectal tumor. Got temp ileostomy at that time and have been having issues since reversal in april. Had a colonoscopy this morning, and WOW, the pain from the prep was absolutely horrific....was like liquid acid shooting out of my butt 40 someting times, and couldn't take pain med. Glad that's over.

I think the zinc oxide is a barrier, but something like A&D can help heal, if you can manage to keep it on there, which is not easy with excessive pooping like I've been dealing with. I have to just keep reapplying every time.

Post Edited (vesuvius13) : 8/27/2014 1:42:13 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/27/2014 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
A contributor to the forum did his own extensive study on a similar butt situation and was very emphatic about the value of 40% zinc oxide ointment. He determined that less than 40% concentration would not be as helpful in these instances. In my own experience his advice was invaluable. Once I started using the 40% stuff it all got better. "Equate" brand from Walmart is priced better than any other I found. Careful, gentle cleaning is a must and that could be difficult.
Good luck,
Michael A
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