Still can't get bowel empty for planning scan

Hello Patrick,

Enquire about the availability of SGRT in your area - it is worth travelling for.  I had 20 sessions of this type of RT and enemas (or tattoos) were never mentioned..............or administered, by self or anyone else !

Hi

What is your diet like ? This can make a big difference.

Sandberg (Rob)

Hi Patrick100022a3b9  there isn’t a panic and it’s way better that everything is clear before RT is given.  I am sure you won’t be the first to have this problem.  Rob has mentioned diet and that is really important as is keeping hydrated.

I'm doing everything I'm told diet related

Had been on the low fibre/low reside diet as they recommend for last two weeks but didn't help last time. 2 litres of water a day.

I started abiraterone a month ago and that can cause constipation - I think that didn't help. but last two weeks had a bowel movement most days and twice on the last appt day but that didn't do it on the day . Wouldn't say i was constipated now. Don't what what else I can do.

 Patrick100022a3b9 doesn’t sound like much else you can do.  Pass the problem back to your team.  I am sure they will have a plan B!

When I had my radiotherapy they told me to drink three litres of water a day. Different hospitals different rules.

I also ate a fair amount of prunes, as well as taking a laxative if necessary.

The only other thing I did that was in any way different was to do the mini enema just before I left for the hospital.

Most days I was cleared out when I got to the radiotherapy room.

I have never paid so much attention to my bowel movements.

Thanks for all the replies. I'm just going to have to keep going and see what they have as a Plan B if I can't produce on my third appt attempt in just over a weeks time. It's frustrating that such a mundane bodily function is holding back my treatment.

Hi, I had a similar experience but as bad: 

I was on healthy high fibre diet and regular as clockwork. The day before planning meeting couldn’t empty my bowel. 
On day of planning meeting I went about 4 times but my bowel wasn’t empty enough. Given Micro enema still not empty. Given a nurse administered enema (explosion). That emptied bowel and planning meeting when ahead. 
On the first few days of radiotherapy, even though I’d emptied my bowel I still had too much waste. So sent out to empty again. I had started a low fibre diet. A nurse told me to go back to normal diet but reduced insoluble fibre. I was already prescribed Laxido which I was taking every night. I added a Senocot at night too and a mircro enema before going to hospital. I also had my normal breakfast of oats, flaxseeds, chia seeds, tinned fruit and soya milk every day and from that point, touch wood I have passed every day without being rejected. Once I got into a routine I was less stressed about it. Now on 33 of 37 sessions of RT completed. 
I think my main problem was that I was so stressed about emptying my bowel ready for RT and the nurses agreed. I only took the Senocot for 7 days. 
if it helps I found the actual RT a easy after sorting my bowel issues

This might not work for you but I thought it might help to know you are not the only one. Good luck on your journey!

Roy 

Sorry meant reduce insoluble fibre…not soluble!

Just to update. Third appt: mini enema self applied - not cleared enough.

Another nurse administered enema - that eventually cleared enough to do the planning scan (although probably not completely empty was acceptable to them to go ahead)

So radiotherapy due to start in two weeks - just hope I can be consistent - still on low fibre diet and laxatives daily.

I suppose if I fail on the day - just have to keep coming back the next day til I get my 20 fractions.