Hi Everyone, I'm posting on behalf of my brother who completed radiotherapy 4 weeks ago and is still needing to pass urine frequently day and night. He's not sleeping and won't go anywhere as he's afraid of accidents. His urinary specialist nurse says she's given him everything she can but my sister-in-law says she finds him crying in his chair. Does anyone have experience of this,how long it's likely to continue and any advice. So want to help him.
Hi and welcome to the group, although sorry to hear your brother is suffering from post radiation. Radiotherapy continues to work for several a weeks after treatment finishes and urinary and bowel problems are common, but should gradually get better. I had radiotherapy for bladder cancer several years ago and it took a couple of months for things to settle down, and things did get back to normal.
It may sound like a contradiction with frequent urination but your brother needs to keep drinking lots of water. 2/3 litres a day is recommended. If not drinking enough, the urine become concentrated and acidic, irritating the bladder and causing the need to wee all the time. Also avoid coffee and strong tea. Drinking plenty keeps things flushed out and helps with bladder irritation. It does not always cut down on toilet visits, but a wee can be more refreshing rather than the annoying little dribbles. There is always the possibility of an infection, so as a precaution, it may be an idea to drop a sample at the GPs for testing. Best wishes.
Hi Meggiesue. I think any sort of exercise helps with recovery. I joined a gym after my treatment finished and found it helped both physically and well being. Has your brother seen a GP? There are certain medications that can help with bladder control. Best wishes.
Hi Meggisue. Good to know your brother is improving. It does take time. Hope all goes well with the check up. Best wishes.
