Rectal issues

Also, you may want to visit this thread, discussing constipation related to treatment drugs. 

http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/6/topic/78...

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I haven't had this issue, but I've been impressed with MosaicLife products for other SEs. Perhaps this product could be helpful to some out there (even if it was designed more for issues that arise from radiotherapy than from chemotherapy).

http://www.mosaiclife.co.uk/product/gutlife-cream/

This thread reminds me just how much I miss Jill Thut.

try the. Blue bidet from amazon and  tucks.  It really helps with itchinessr

Regretfully, need to add another reason for rectal itch. Eczema. There are several conditions that affect the vulva and rectal area, that fall under the classification of Eczema. Lichen Planus, Lichen dermatitis, Lichen sclerosus and more. Psoriasis can be a culprit too. They present much like a yeast infection. But when biopsied a definitive dx is made. The treatment is topical steroid. I have found bag balm is very good adjunct. There are multiple sources for info on the internet. I'm linking to the Harvard one b/c I liked it the best, but there are many sources.

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Womens_Health_Watch/2008/November/Managing_common_vulvar_skin_conditions

Some predisposing factors: Hypothyroid, autoimmune dysfunction, allergic response, adrenal stress(right up our alley), history of frequent antibiotics, IBD, reduced immune state from chemo, and more. When Jill and I were posting here this wasn't on my radar. Since RAI-131 treatment for Thyroid cancer, trust me it's been on my radar. It's incredibly uncomfortable, but I had a clue right away. I had the DX of Lichen sclerosus from last summer. It was an incidental finding when I asked Derm doc to do a vulva exam. It wasn't bothering me then, but after Rai whew. Wish we'd known about it when Jill was here. Never know, may have been the source of her problem.

Some things I learned. Not all Dermatologist Docs are used to doing vulva/rectal exams. Seems like it should be part of a head-to-toe exam. It may or may not be depending on the Derm. After my Derm doc scared the bejebbers out of me with yet another cancer scare, she tells me it's not her usual modis operandi and suggested going to a GYN doc. Sure wish she'd said that up front. Thyroid and vulva bx's were coming back on the same day. She didn't relate that it wasn't her usual thing, until we were going over the results.

When I first searched it after initial problem after Rai, not much was coming up. Now oodles. A best approach for dx is a GYN doc that has experience. Ask prior to making an appointment. If it isn't controlled, seek out a Vulva clinic. See info in the Harvard link.  Asking that a dermpatholigist read the biopsy is  within reason. It is mentioned in multiple sources.

Hope this helps Sassy

Miralax is expensive over the counter. 

My gastroenterologist prescribes it and it's a lot cheaper.  It is called polyethelyne glycol.

He also tellsme to take metamucil with it in order for the stool to form for easy passing.  Metamucil is not available through prescription, so I get the store brand.

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oh Jill, wish you were here

bbd1 and stagefree---so miss Jill too. We were kind of goofy when she started this thread. I have it linked to constipation which I started. We joked at the time that we would talk of such things.

bbd1 I carry a peri bottle with me. it's a 20 oz. bottle. but with it, I still need to use paper. Don't travel much. I have a in house Bidet. Can't use b/c of nozzle--needs to be replaced. Stupid that I haven't done it.

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Bump, this isn't just an issue for stage 4's, it's universal. Jill would want anyone having problems too post

Littlegoats, I should bump this each time I bump the constipation thread. I think I have a hemorrhoid thing on the constipation thread first page. Lot's of members with ideas on constipation thread for an easier go.

Proctologist are few and far between. The only one I ever knew in surgery had to start each surgery by making paper airplanes. His patients didn't know.

terri, if anyone is going to know about a rectal problem they are worth their weight in__________-

Hope this works for you. Please, comeback and post results for others. Good luck, sorry you are uncomfortable.

Before you put the nice medicine on. Consider sitz bath soaks for 20-30 minutes. Apple or white cider vinegar. Serious bad burn itch --do 1-2 cups in a a basically full sitz, one to two times a day. If you are on maintenance 1/2 -1 cup mixed into the water. I was in the pray to die phase when I remembered vinegar. It was a DUH moment(actually an angel moment). No sitz bath, do a tub bath 2 cups and soak +- 1/2 hour. Vinegar Tub baths do a number on the rest of the skin and hair though.

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