Hi Discordia and Pauline,

I really feel for you both, although I don't have quite the same problems as you. 

Discordia, I had 25 sessions of pelvic radiotherapy and thiis caused immense pain when going to the toilet - as you describe, like passing glass! I was given some creams to help called Diprobase and Flamazine, though I'm not sure whether these can be applied internally. I was also prescribed laxido to help with the constipation. Not sure if this info is any good. Do you have contact details of a specialist nurse? Or your Oncologist's secretary to let them know just how much you're struggling.

Pauline, like you, I'm having bladder problems - brain and bladder not communicating! And I have to sit for ages before I can pass urine (have to run the taps too!) and rock backwards and forwards! 

I've seen a Urologist who  prescribed medication to 'relax' my bladder (Solefenacin) and he also put me on 3 hour toilet stops! Had to put an alarm on my phone! Most recently, I've been taught how to self catheterise, but unfortunately, I'm not a natural at it! Could you ask to be referred to the urology team?

I hate to think of you both suffering. Sending you both a big hug, Jo xx

Hi, Jo, I spend half the night walking round the house, sitting on the loo, taps running and feel sograteful for the occasional thimble full.  But the pain, my God, its excruciating.  Does this Solefenacin work?  I was told by one doctor that my peritoneal cancer has affected my bladder and bowels and there will be quite serious consequencies soon. The next doctor said because of my age (71)  this would have happened anyway.  I don't believe that.  How are you now with the help in place?  With everything else going on in your life it must be so hard,  sending my love and best wishes.

Oh Pauline, bless your heart. I'm certainly nowhere near the agony you're going through. 

At first, the Solefenacin seemed to help - I was on 5mg per day, but after a week I noticed the same bladder discomfort returning and the urologist increased the dosage to 10mg per day. A couple of months down the line, if I'm honest, I'm no longer convinced about its effectiveness. 

The urologist has discussed the option of being permanently catheterised, but as I'm 'managing' the incontinence issues and certainly not experiencing the pain you're suffering, I'm holding out on that option for the time being. Is this an option you may be able to investigate / consider? Sorry, I don't  know if this would be possible with your type of Cancer.

At my last appointment, an ultrasound showed I was within 'normal ranges' for emptying my bladder, but as we've discussed, it's such a battle to wee! 

My pain nurse is referring me to the community nurse team so that I can call them out at any time, 24/7, to catheterise me should I need it. 

Pauline, you too have so much going on in your life and I really wish you were getting the medical support I seem to have been offered. 

You offer so much support to others on the forum; I so wish I could take your pain away! Sending you a massive hug sweetheart, Jo xx

Pauline, I've just checked why the Solefenacin was prescribed for me and it was actually to help with bladder incontinence! So sorry I've given you false information - it was to 'relax' my bladder, but with the intention of helping with the involuntary incontinence I experience! Apologies! X

Oh Pauline, bless your heart. I'm certainly nowhere near the agony you're going through. 

At first, the Solefenacin seemed to help - I was on 5mg per day, but after a week I noticed the same bladder discomfort returning and the urologist increased the dosage to 10mg per day. A couple of months down the line, if I'm honest, I'm no longer convinced about its effectiveness. 

The urologist has discussed the option of being permanently catheterised, but as I'm 'managing' the incontinence issues and certainly not experiencing the pain you're suffering, I'm holding out on that option for the time being. Is this an option you may be able to investigate / consider? Sorry, I don't  know if this would be possible with your type of Cancer.

At my last appointment, an ultrasound showed I was within 'normal ranges' for emptying my bladder, but as we've discussed, it's such a battle to wee! 

My pain nurse is referring me to the community nurse team so that I can call them out at any time, 24/7, to catheterise me should I need it. 

Pauline, you too have so much going on in your life and I really wish you were getting the medical support I seem to have been offered. 

You offer so much support to others on the forum; I so wish I could take your pain away! Sending you a massive hug sweetheart, Jo xx

Pauline, I've just checked why the Solefenacin was prescribed for me and it was actually to help with bladder incontinence! So sorry I've given you false information - it was to 'relax' my bladder, but with the intention of helping with the involuntary incontinence I experience! Apologies! X