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Colon and rectal issues post RP

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Posted 6/25/2017 6:53 AM (GMT 0)
I am 3 months post RP. Stool and bowel movement has more or less gone back to normal. about 2 to 3 weeks ago started noticing some change in the form and size, just slightly smaller and shape slightly squarish.
Explained to both, my urologist and my general doctor, and they both said having a colonoscopy at my age (52) is a good thing, but that I can't have it now that soon after RP (in another 2 to 3 months) and changes in bowel movement and stool is normal after such an operation that could take up to 1 year until all body functions return to normalcy and that what I am noticing is very likely related to the operation. "Stop stressing over everything and monitoring everything so closely and minutiously".
I can't help but worry about a colon problem.
Anyone had such an experience?
Posted 6/25/2017 10:39 AM (GMT 0)
It's tough when doctors are dismissive of our concerns. Cancer is a big deal. But it is likely that this will not prove to be an issue. Best advice I can offer is find someone or some cause that you can help or offer a kindness and go there.

Best to you -
Wilderness
Posted 6/25/2017 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
You need to wait. RP is major surgery and changes your body a lot. Deep healing happens slowly and there will be a new normal. The docs are very correct to say it can take up to a year for it to all settle down.

A colonoscopy is a good thing around 50ish. The prep for it can be unpleasant and waiting for a few more months to let your body heal more is annoying, but likely the right thing to do.

If you were a post radiation patient, I'd be a lot more concerned, but we don't hear of many colon problems post RP. Stress has a bad effect on the body and learning to live and enjoy life more without worry and anxiety is a good thing.

I'd recommend a good movie, dinner with friends, a nice trip some where (even for a day), and forget all this for a little while.

But do schedule the colonoscopy.

Andrew
Posted 6/25/2017 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
Aymanio, I am 2 1/2 years post RALP. I too experienced a change in bowel habits AND form. However in my case, strange as it may seem, I became more regular and unlike you, my BM's became more productive, and more "normal looking".

I would also add, I do have a different feeling when I do a BM. Hard to describe, not really painful, just different, like I can feel things moving thru me

I never asked my surgeon about it, because it didn't bother me.
Also, since surgery, at some point, I don't recall when, I started taking probiotics. Might have been just before or just after the surgery. You might want to consider trying that.
Posted 6/25/2017 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
One of the things about RP they don't tell you much about is the typical (short term) thinning of the rectal wall as a result of the surgery. This is why they tell us, among other things, to take stool softeners and to not strain for the first weeks. And why no reputable doctor will do a colonoscopy on a RALP patient for at least 6 months after RP.

And, reality is, RP is major abdominal surgery, and everything moves around and adjusts and shifts down there, and it takes a while.
Posted 6/25/2017 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
My BM's have been all over the map since surgery. It's always an adventure...
Posted 6/25/2017 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
I've had Ulcerative Colitis for decades, and colon irration is a major concern with my upcoming RALP. I did get a colonoscopy several months ago. Docs said don't even think about it for 6 to 12 months afterwards.

Taking a good probiotic, like Saccharomuces Bouladii+MOS, is a very good suggestion.

Give it time. It will improve!
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