Has anyone taken Cialis/Tadalafil?

Hi D,

Jacob is not taking any medications to reduce the hot flashes. It was a discussion about the progesterone but then the oncologist asked not to use it. What helps is the acupuncture which prescribed by the NHS. He said it did not help but then there was two weeks break for Easter and he went back on it and it does make a big difference.

Good luck with everything

Dafna

Hi Dafna,

I am glad that Jacob has found acupuncture useful for hot flushes - this is good information for those looking for an alternative to supplements or medication.

Dedalus - good research. Hubby was given Tadalafil when he had EBRT. The RT caused some 'bruising' and reduced his flow. It took about a week to make a noticeable difference and he had a stuffy nose whilst taking it but nothing else.

Hubby is currently having SBRT - 2 down and 3 to go. This is an even higher individual dose. Hope you didn't get the nausea and vomiting which he suffered after 1st dose but it's under control now with antiemetics. All the best with your treatment and keep us updated on progress.

Hi Dedalus,

I've been looking up something similar as my partner is experiencing flow problems recently ( the last few weeks) He had his RT about 6 months ago. His consultant said that this is a common happening of and it's called "urethral stricture" and if it persists he can have a small op to widen the urethra.  Of course this is after RT.  So it's interesting for me to hear about Tadalafil" maybe that's an option to try. I'll look it up. According to our consultant, who takes great delight in graphically explaining procedures that make us wince with fear, the urethra is tough as old boots and can be stretched and widened easily if need be. But before he goes for that maybe medication? Though maybe he should just have the procedure to keep the pill popping lower. I would be very interested to know if you take Tadalafil and find that it works for you in your case. 

Hope the RT goes well for you. Keep us posted 

L

I'm now thinking yours must be more about swelling and bruising whereas my partners must be  healing and tightening, so totally different. I guess he's going to have to bite the bullet and have the op. 

L

I think you are right BarryW. The stricture is more of a scarring which can happen after RT or if you have had procedures involving inserting tubes up the urethra.

Just to throw the spanner in the works - is it because his prostate is enlarged and restricting the flow.? This is an issue I had and needed an operation (TURP) where they shave the prostate to widen the urethra. Just saying!!

Best Wishes - Brian.

Hi AH

Thanks for that info re the side effects.  Interesting that your husband received it.  I note that the FDA have approved it for LUTS and BPH.

I have been a bit nauseous immediately after each session, but I put it down to chugging about 1.5 litres of coldish water after rising, and immediately up to the RT.  Now that you have mentioned it, perhaps the higher Gy is a factor

When I read about Tadalafil having a similar effect to LUTS and hyperplasia as Tamsulosin I wondered why this wasn't the better drug, particularly as it  also seems to:

1. benefit kidney function - which is important for someone with CKD.

2.  increases blood flow ro the penis, which is useful during and after RT.

3.  helps with brain function through improved blood flow.

I will only take medication as a last resort.  I don't even take paracetamol unless absolutely necessary.  My flow was 13.1 prior to the RT so not that fantastic.  I am monitoring it at the moment as it is getting poorer with a feeling of incomplete emptying after each fraction.  Tadalafil may be the short term solution until my prostate recovers.  I only hope I don't get retention before I act.

I note that I can get a prescription of 10mg Cialis (then cut in half) OTC, so can respond quite quickly, if necessary.

Dedalus

Thanks BarryW

I agree with AH re a possible stricture and Millibob on TURP.  However, if my understanding of the effects of Tadalafil are correct it should be beneficial in both examples ie it is supposed to relax both the urethra, and  the bladder neck as well as reduce hyperplasia in the prostate.

Please see my reply to AH on whether I will take it or not.  My motto is 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' so I will put it off until the last minute, because there is always payback with any drug or procedure.

Dedalus

Hi Dedalus.

It could be that we live in Greece and also husband was indicating backup of urine in the kidneys which meant that he had to have a stent in the ureters. Different countries have different protocols.

AH

Having read a few of your threads, I have been quite impressed by your husband's treatment in Greece.

I won't do it,  as I/we are too long in the tooth, but I sometimes muse about moving abroad because of our declining health service.

Having lived in France for 3 months a year over a period, we were able to compare health systems.  The French system was/is significantly preferable.  From your anecdotes the Greek system in your area, seems to be even better.

My wife had to have a urological procedure in the NHS.  It was performed by a Greek doctor.  We were impressed by his skill, manner, and empathy.

D