Burning when urinating

Hi Kateskins,

Well done in getting to the end of week 4. The end is in sight!

I am sorry that you are experiencing this burning. I had it too towards the end of treatment and remember well how painful and grim it is. Like you I didn’t see that one coming…

The oncologist told me that it’s radiation cystitis and fairly common. I was recommended to drink diluted cranberry juice and to take cystopurin which are over the counter sachets. This helped a bit, but it did continue until a couple of weeks post treatment. 

I really hope that you can get some relief. 

Sending hugs xx

Hi Kateskins03 ,

Firstly well done in getting this far without many issues, that’s around the time my skin began flaring up. I had a flare of radiation cystitis towards the end of week 2 of treatment & was told to drink lots & I got some low sugar cranberry juice & drank that too. I also felt the brunt of my treatment in the vulva area around the same point that you’re at, I wonder if it’s because the skin is a little more delicate there & the bacterial balance is easily upset causing lots of irritation & inflammation. I kept a jug of water by the loo & just poured it over as I had a wee just to dilute the urine so it didn’t sting so much. If you’re having weekly bloods done your team will soon spot if you’ve any infections brewing & I’m sure you’ll feel pretty ropey too so hopefully as your Dr says it’s not a UTI you’re experiencing, if you do start feeling unwell or start running a fever though be sure to let your team know. 

Nicola 

Hello Kateskins03

I am sorry you are feeling so uncomfortable.  You have had some good advice about diluting your urine so that it doesn't sting. I don't know if you have a Sitzbath but towards the end of treatment I used it as a loo, filled with lukewarm water for both bowel movements and urinating, it was just much less painful going under water.  It is easily emptied and disinfected and I took to leaving it ready with water already in (by that time I wasn't worried that the water was cold, I needed the relief) and I was experiencing urgency.

Just keep on marking off those days; you really haven't got long to go.

Big hug

Irene xx

Thank you for your responses! I’m happy to hear that I am not alone in this situation and that it is quite common. I had my blood work done yesterday, so hoping it all comes back well! I feel completely fine, no fever, no back pain no abdominal pain, so I’m hoping that’s a good indicator of no infection! I have a peri bottle that I have started using and it has seemed to help, and bought low sugar, cranberry juice as well,but I definitely cannot go without the AZO pills my doctor recommended. The second I feel it wearing off I have to pop some more! The pain is grueling! I am just trying to keep focus on the light at the end of the tunnel! Technically just 10 more days!

You got this, Katie! We got this!  xx

Yes we do, Jenna!! In this together!