Cystitis!

Oh you poor thing. The dreaded cystitis is another grim challenge to deal with. It’s pretty common and is radiation induced. Eye watering wees as well as the bowel stuff really adds to the dreaded bathroom visits.

I used diluted cranberry juice and over the counter cyctitis sachets ( Cystopurin) which gave a bit of relief but it did last until after treatment. I think everything just gets so inflamed and the Oncologist told me it’s normal and not related to infection. 

You are almost there- hard as it is, try to keep the end goal in sight even if you are crossing your eyes getting there. I hope you get some relief.

Sending hugs xx

Hello AuroraHunter

Some really good advice from PEB24, however please mention it to your treating team - a urine test takes minutes and if it is a full-blown urine infection you may need antibiotics but hopefully not.

I know it is small consolation right now BUT you are very nearly there - hang on in there, we are all cheering you on!

Irene xx

Yes, this is definitely not fun! I had to pause my chemo tabs to take antibiotics for a week due to an UTI..... Not sure if you require a full bladder during treatment? This varies, but most people do and that's obviously not great if you have cystitis symptoms! I recommend drinking cystitis relief sachet when you're drinking to fill your bladder if so xx

As others have said, it is a common side effect, and I found just taking the cystitis sachets from the chemist were good, but yes, just mention it in case you have an infection xx

hi AuroraHunter! I'm over in the US, but one of my nurses suggested a product called Azo to help with cystitis. I'm only three days into treatment, so I haven't had need for it yet, but thought I'd share! Best wishes to you! 

Hi AuroraHunter ,

Oooh the dreaded radiation cystitis! I feel your pain! I was told to drink lots & take paracetamol because it couldn’t be treated like bacterial cystitis but someone more recently was advised to use an over the counter cystitis treatment but I would run that by your treating team first. Mine started at the end of week 2 of treatment & lasted possibly 7-10 days then eased off & didn’t come back.

You’re on the home stretch now, I hope the cystitis resolves soon. 

Nicola  

Hi AuroraHunter 

My oncologist told me to drink lots of fruit barley water.. my bladder was constantly full but it really helped when having a wee..

I also drank cranberry mixed with water..

I kept the cystitis at bay... I hope you get some relief soon  x