Hello Mikey132,

                         l can recognise all what you describe only too readily. Having battled with the same for 6 years and living on a diet of loperimide and colestrymine in an attempt to somewhere near to a liveable situation. Bleeding from a constantly inflamed bowel, violent wind and stomach cramps with th e added bonus of the bowel stopping working leading to emergency hospital visits. l suspect loperimide was responsible even though my dose was only one per day, the successive build up in my system being the likely culprit.After my latest episode, the fifth in total, l realised l had to drop the loperimide and find another answer. The colestrymine is used to mop up excess bile due to gallbladder removal but causes severe wind as a side effect for a nunber of hours after taking, one per day with my main meal.

l have now stumbled upon charcoal tablets and the result has been transformational.After 3 weeks my bowel has subsided with little wind, inflammation and bleeding has ceased,,and l am able to pass formed stools over at least 80% of visits from a previous 5% if lucky. Multiple toileting has dimiinished and l now have a regular morning /evening routine with no crisis events. I no longer have crisis events and have full control and can stroll to the bathroom as opposed to a headlong rush.

The thing is l tried charcoal before with no success, but this was powdered capsules from a health shop.The difference this time is medicinal charcoal tablets, 3 in the morning ,3 in the evening. The change is staggering, they are made by Braggs by the way and cost so little, but are obviously binding up all the acids and irritants that were inflaming my bowel triggering the constant diarrhoea.

Maybe this may be a help for yourself, l am now two months on which feels like a lifetime given the misery of the six years that went before, long may it last,

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   David

Hi David, thanks for your reply.

I wasn’t too bad for the first two years but now it seems like it’s getting worse. So many things now have my stomach gurgling and complaining in no time followed by frequent loo visits. Seems to be with me, anything that has the slightest spice, beer, most carbohydrates etc. crazily, I can have a full English breakfast (no beans or tomatoes) and everything is fine.

the charcoal tablets sound very interesting and will definitely try those. Trouble is, change of habit’s always has you thinking the worst although all my tests/scans are good

Mike

Hello Mikey132 and thanks for posting

I am sorry to hear about the treatment you had a few years ago for bowel cancer.

Some people do have what is known as a late onset of side effects from previous cancer treatments. With bowel cancer it isn't uncommon for bowel habits to be altered several months or years following treatment.

However if you haven't mentioned the issues you have been having with your GP or specialist team I suggest you do. Just to make sure they wish to run any more tests just to be on the safe side.

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care,

Naomi

Thank you Naomi for your reply.

My main op was in November 2019 and the stoma reversal in July 2020 so I think I exaggerated slightly how long it’s been since my op.

I do have, what is hopefully my last set of scans and blood tests in July this year although my surgeon does want me to have another colonoscopy in January/February 2024!

Hopefully the issues are down to delayed symptoms…I did have a negative FIT test about 6 months ago.

Thanks again for your reply 

Mike