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How can I improve my situation?

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 9:52 am
by Guest Posts
As a survivor of advanced anal cancer, the treatment that cured me has unfortunately left me with ABL on a daily basis. I’ve tried pelvic floor exercises, altering diet (not ideal as I have diabetes) but nothing helps.

The ABL occurs mostly after I’ve already opened my bowels, but can happen randomly - almost like post-leakage. I find it very depressing as it limits where I go, when I eat, when (or even if) I leave the house. There is also some pretty bad pain associated with it - Loperamide is prescribed but can make matters worse.

I refuse to give up, any advice on how to improve my situation would be great. I’m 55 and female.

Thank you, Angela

Re: How can I improve my situation?

Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2019 11:41 am
by Polly Weston
You are clearly a positive person and your determination to improve your health is commendable.

Is the loperamide in liquid form? I would suggest you request this from your GP so that you can self titrate the dose depending on stool consistency.

Some patients also benefit from focusing on optimal sitting position on the toilet. The best position being to bring your knees up to ensure the internal muscles are full relaxed and allow for better emptying of the rectum. You could look at www.squattypotty.co.uk for sitting position advise. The improved defecation might then prevent ABL after your bowels are opened.

Thank you for your post

Best wishes

Re: How can I improve my situation?

Posted: Mon Sep 09, 2019 1:34 pm
by Sharon Holroyd
Hi Angela, use of anal inserts / plugs may be an option to consider. They are great at building confidence and ‘plugging’ the leak. Loperamide can easily constipate leaving you with some liquid stool being forced around the constipated areas, similarly laxatives can also be difficult to manage and achieve any level of consistency. Abdominal massage can be useful, following the track of the large bowel from the right groin up to the ribcage, across the front of the abdomen and down towards the left groin area. Using the gastro colic reflex which is stimulated by food and drink, can improve bowel emptying. Finally the use of a balance of soluble and insoluble fibre to add bulk and improve stool consistency may be of use.