Side effects

Hello Rebjam8d8f79 

Unfortunately yes.  The radiotherapy, whilst very effective at treating the tumour, can do some damage to the surrounding organs, the vagina, back passage uretha and also hips.  Anywhere in the line of fire, really.  It is a subject often discussed on here, and there are quite a few of us undergoing treatment for related complaints with varying degrees of success.   I am undergoing treatment for my hips (I am four years out of treatment) and was also offered physiotherapy as I now have developed urinary problems, not severe but I am probably up at least four times during the night even though I don't have a full bladder.

Do you mind me asking what your problems are?  If we know there may well be another forum member who can direct you to treatment that helped them.  Is there a late treatment effects clinic attached to your treating hospital?  Often doctors are unaware of the various avenues open to patients suffering from late pelvic radiotherapy effects.

I am sure there will be answers from other forum members soon, they are a super-helpful friendly bunch on here!

Irene xx

Thank you Irene. I've not heard if that clinic but will have a look. I've had few incontinence issues, constipation and the runs. Now on looeramude which helps but skin very fragile and sore, pain every bowel movement.

I don't have the runs any more (I had an elective stoma almost two years ago) but I understand the skin problems.  Even with no bowel movements at all my skin in extremely fragile and sore, I have cushions to sit on all round the house.

Some forum members have tried the Fodmap diet with some success; it may be well worth investigating this.  I hope after the weekend you will have more answers on here.

Irene xx

Hi Rebjam8d8f79 ,

Firstly I’m so sorry you’re suffering from these issues right now.

We’ve had many conversations here recently concerning late onset side effects from the treatment. Like you I’m a fair way down the line from my treatment (8 years) & I’m struggling with back & hip issues, I have some digestive sensitivity too but that’s quite easily controlled. 

As Irene has mentioned it’d be worth enquiring if there is a late effects clinic anywhere close to you, these clinics do seem to be pretty thin on the ground though, I’ve been informed there’s a clinic at a hospital not too far from me but apparently they only see people that have had treatment at that particular hospital! 

I would enquire with your GP’s surgery to see if your health authority runs a bladder & bowel service, one of the nurse practitioners at my surgery mentioned it to me when I mentioned I suspected my bladder control had been affected by the radiotherapy, I had no idea this service existed. These services are run on the basis of self referral too. Even if they can’t help with your particular issue they may well be able to signpost you to somewhere that can help. 

I hope you get some help soon, we’re all very grateful for being cancer free I’m sure but some of these late side effects can place limits on living our best lives can’t they? Please keep us updated on how you get on.

Nicola