Loose bowels

  • Stool soft and sticky , difficult to wipe myself clean
  • .  . . .. .. need to wash my bum every time 
  • Hello and thanks for your enquiry,

    Sorry but it isn't clear from your enquiry, whether your loose bowels are a result of cancer, or cancer treatment, or whether you are just reporting this on this forum. If it is as a result of recent treatment or medications, then do let your doctor know. They can prescribe capsules called loperamide that can help with loose bowels.

    It is always useful to keep a food diary at these times, to work out what may be making bowel episodes worse. Sometimes it is a case of avoiding fizzy/cold drinks, and adjusting meals to see how certain fibre helps. Some people may have to reduce bran or high fibre wholemeal products, and replace with more fresh vegetables. Fresh fruit uncooked can also increase bowel movements. As nurses, we are limited as to what we can advise, as it would be a dietician that is best placed to offer guidance on daily meals and dietary intake.

    I hope this helps,

    Best wishes,

    Vanda