Within the last 12 months I have stopped from having daily bowel movements to every two or even three days. I now face radiation for prostate cancer and the magnesium pills are just not working. It's actually quite stressful. Is it actually possible to rely on suppositories for the whole 4 weeks?
Hello Rens,
Thanks for getting in touch with us. My name’s Linda and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.
It’s possible that you may need to rely on taking an enema and/or suppositories for the duration of your radiotherapy treatment.
The contents of the bowel can vary from day to day and can change the position of your prostate. This is usually caused by gas or the presence of bowel matter. It’s important that the radiotherapy is directed to the area that has been marked out in your planning.
I would encourage you to follow the instructions you have been given from your hospital and if you have any questions, please contact the radiotherapy department for further advice.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes
Linda J. Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref/LJ/ LM
