Radiation cystitis

Hi Tracy can you send me a friend request I am a fellow sufferer xx

hugs to you from Carol x

Hi TracyC

I can empathise with having bladder problems as a result of cervical cancer treatment.  I had a radical hysterectomy which caused a lot of nerve damage to my bladder which means I have urinary retention so I need to use catheters to enable me to properly empty my bladder.  I also had radiotherapy which the consultant suggested may have caused further problems: in addition to the retention I have stress incontinence and urinary frequency.  So, different problems to yours but like you I do have a problem with recurrent UTIs.  I was wondering if there was anything more that could be done to reduce your risk for UTIs?  I pay a lot of attention to ensuring I keep well hydrated and have virtually eliminated caffeine from my diet as it irritates my bladder; in terms of alcohol I only have a small glass of wine with meals very occasionally. Have you heard about the non-antibiotic options such as D-mannose and Hiprex which may help prevent UTIs?  I haven't tried Hiprex but I do take D-mannose which is said to help guard against UTIs due to E.coli.  If you wanted to know more about these options then I suggest the website: https://bladderhealthuk.org/  - they have a good helpline.

I so understand, radium burns have affected my bowel and bladder.  I was getting UTI’s every month I had taken so many different antibiotics that I ended up getting a fully resistant infection, I was very poorly as the infection raged and there was nothing the urologist could do about it. I was hospitalised and given intravenous AB.  After 3months I started to put weight back on and felt better. I am now on Co amoxiclav 625mg prophylactic morning, hiprex and d-mannose in the evening and so far 4mths later still clear.

Thankyou for your reply x

Thankyou for your reply x

Thankfully I’ve never had cancer, I’m on this site because my mother had C 18mths ago. I obviously haven’t suffered like you, but I do have a condition that I was born with which affects the bladder, so I suffered from acute chronic cystitis for years. I swear by Cranberry juice, it’s worked wonders for my UTIs.  I wish you good Luck 

I'm sorry that you had to face this problem. After radiation therapy, most patients face disruption of the work of nearby organs. The main problem is that it cannot be cured because the cells die entirely.  But you should not despair! Medicine does not stand still, and perhaps there will be a way to alleviate your suffering in a few years. In addition, you can contact other doctors who may prescribe you at least medications. I also had cystitus, so I understand how uncomfortable you are.  Good luck!