After Effects

Posted By Jenna on July 10, 1998 at 12:21:55:







October 1993 my husband underwent colon cancer surgery, very successful from a cancer standpoint; not so successful from the after effects of the surgery/radiation standpoint.  Since that time he has suffered almost daily from frequent bowel movements, sometimes diarrhea, sometimes not.  The greatest concern and discomfort happens when that excretion contains so much acid it causes his rectal area to bleed.  This is external bleeding, not internal.
When he took radiation after his surgery he was burned externally pretty badly; they discontinued treatments for several days to allow his skin to recover.  Is it possible that the over exposure could have burned up something within his digestive system that disables him from absorbing acid through his intestines, thus causing the acid?  We have monitored what he eats - nothing seems to make a difference.  He may go along for 2-3 days and do fairly well, then he could have a "bout" that lasts two hours or 3-4 days.  Immodium is the only medication that slows him down; none of the prescriptions (Lomodil, etc) have helped.  Metamucil, etc. has not helped, Lactaid has not helped; we have tried lots of things to no avail.  Any ideas?