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Lindy

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Hi,I have not posted before,I am 62 femail,and was diagnosed with rectal cancer just over 2 years ago,I have had radiotherapy and chemotherapy,my cancer has gone but I have been left with damage to my bowel and bladder,which makes me incontinent most of the time,the last couple of months I have been having accidents while out,it's embarrassing and very stressfull,thought I had it under control with taking loperamide which I have to take for life of the only other option my oncologist has offered is a stoma,my mum had bowel cancer and had a stoma and I know what she went through,I don't know if I can cope with that,because of the problems i am having with my bowel i constantly think my cancer has come back,just wondered if any one out there was having same problem as me,sorry for the long post,

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    Hi Lindy, I am so sorry for what you are going through, I only had a heammoroiddectomy and have been left with embarrassing problems as it wasn't 100% successful.  From my understanding the stoma bags are so much more discreet now, although  like yourself I wouldn't want to have one.  Why not get a second opinion to see if there are more options, I think sometimes we're not given all the options.  I have used stick on towels in my knickers but adjusted them to the rear and carried fresh underwear with me plus wet wipes and creams, it gives you more back up, just get a zip lock pretty bag, pop it all in and know one but you will know what's in it.  I hope you get some help soon,  best wishes, Carol 

  • Offline in reply to Dor06

    Hi carol,thank you for your reply,I have had other input regarding any thing I can do ,like exersise,I do carry every thing with me every time I go out,I don't know about you but I hate pads,I do use extra long pant liners and do what you do and pull them more to the back,the stoma is my only option my oncologist has said my incontinence problems might get better over the years of it might get even worse,the stoma would be permanent,I have in till July to think about it,I am going to try some Pilates to strengthen my pelvic floor mucsels,I am determind  to not let this dictate my life,it's nice to talk to people who have or are going through similar problems,thank you carol,keep well

  • Offline in reply to Dor06

    WOW, you are a solution person!!!!  Great inputt

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