My dad finished radiotherapy for muscle invasive ballder cancer about 5 weeks ago. He experienced lots of pain during treatment and this hasn't improved. Still experiencing excruciating pain in the bladder, is not sleeping at all, and has in the last week become completely incontinent. Hospital have not given much support other than given him painkillers and advised to check for UTI. He is now on antibiotics for a UTI but 4 days in these have had no effect. The incontinence is incredibly distressing for him. Will pursue with GP but would like to hear if others have experience of ongoing pain in the bladder and when urinating and whether the incontinence is normal. He just as no control at all...
Hello TopCottages and welcome to the group although sorry to hear your father is experiencing the side effects of radiotherapy. Radiotherapy continues working for several weeks after the actual treatment finishes, so the effects do linger, but should eventually settle down. The UTI can't be helping so keep on at the GP for the correct antibiotics. RT does leave a lot if inflammation and it is important for dad to drink lots of water. This may sound like a contradiction with frequent urination, but some people refrain from drinking in the thought it will help. Not drinking has an adverse effect on the bladder. The urine becomes concentrated and acidic irritating the bladder causing the feeling to go. My nurses always recommended cranberry juice for an irritated bladder, so may be worth a try. My RT was nearly ten years ago, so hopefully a bit of encouragement for dad. Best wishes.
Hi again TopCottages . We know it can be difficult to drink lots of water, so some people recommend a touch of lemon barley water in it to help it more digestible. Get dad to keep a bottle or glass at hand at all times to take regular drinks during the day, stopping about two hours before bedtime. Radiotherapy has a massive impact on the body and the immune system is working overtime to help recharge things. This causes severe tiredness and fatigue, which also has knock on effect on with mood, so if dad is feeling a bit down, it is because of the effects of treatment. I hope he picks up soon. Best wishes.
