Radiation induced rectal bleeding

Hi trom57a sorry to hear you are having problems.  I had exactly the same, bleeding usually fairly minor 3 or 4 times a week.  Over the years it has slowly reduced and now I get it every 2 or 3 months.  Firstly, if it becomes excessive seek medical help as it is possible to become anaemic.  Doubt that will happen but thought I should warn you.

After having my last Sigmoidoscopy the consultant advised not to strain or more importantly, don’t sit on the loo for too long.  Changing my habits I think has reduced the number of bleeds.  Hope this helps. Please ask any questions.  David

Hi, Just to add to David's post, if the blood goes very dark/black, seek medical advice, and if your finding most of the blood on the tissue, it may be down to haemorrhoids, and please remember it's difficult to gauge how much blood you pass, it's usually a lot less than you think, I've been bleeding for 15 months and though it's not something you want to do, It's only once been an issue, PS I had a benign rectal tumour removed as well.

Eddie

Hello trom57a. Following my radiotherapy I had persistant bleeding. I contacted the cancer care co-ordinator who made an urgent referal to Gastrology. The treatment I was offered and accepted was 4 sigmoidoscopies at 4 week intervals and a Haemostatic agant (Purastat) inserted to the areas in my bowel causing the bleeding. The treatment has stopped the bleeding. I have a chronic problem now with urgency as the radiotherapy damaged the lining of my bowel but am managing it best way I can.                    

  I also enrolled on the 'Colo-Spirit' research programme at Newcastle University looking into symptoms and management after pelvic radiotherapy. I have had 2 rounds of radiotherapy, intially for prostate treatment and secondly to secondary tumour on my iliac bone.

          I hope you get sorted trom with the appropriate treatment.

         All the best, Graham. 

Hello David. 

Thanks for getting back to me. It really is very much appreciated to know that I'm not alone in this.

Can I ask what the sigmoidoscopy experience was like? Were you offered sedation? How long does it take etc etc?

Also, what changes did you make to your habits in order to reduce the number of bleeds?

Was any specific treatment offered to you?

Thanks again 

John

Many thanks for getting back to me. It's very much appreciated.

So far, the bleeding hasn't been an issue for me....just a bit unsettling when it happens.

Did you have any investigations....if so can you let me know how it all went?

Thanks

John

Thanks for your comments Graham. Very much appreciated.

How did the sigmoidoscopies go for you?

Best regards 

John

John (trom57a ), I have had a couple of sigmoidoscopies and colonoscopies. If offered anything I usually say yes.  Was a bit drowsy afterwards and told not to drive.  Other than a strange feeling you don’t really feel anything, just a bit of pushing and shoving but not painful.  If they find any little polyps they will probably remove them, but they don’t have nerve endings so painless.  By far the hardest part is the enema beforehand and that was straight forward.

You will be fine.  David

Thanks David.

It's not something that I'm particularly looking forward to but it's a necessary evil I guess.

And surely it can't be any worse that the prostate biopsies I'm sure we've all been through.

Cheers 

John

John, you are correct - it is nothing like the biopsy!  David

Hell John, all the procedures were fine. I watched them on the screen and the doctor pinpointing the areas that needed to be treated to apply the Purastat. No issues after each treatment. Had a review last Monday with consultant. There has been no further bleeding.