RADIOTHERAPY PROCTITIS

Hello Rooky 

Thank you for posting. I am so sorry to read of Frank's issues. This is an issue that doesn't get much coverage, even Prostate Cancer UK's information is scarce:

Prostate Cancer UK - Living-with-prostate-cancer/bowel-problems

Here's our information on this subject:

Pelvic-radiotherapy/bowel-problems-after-pelvic-radiotherapy

I did use the search facility (at the top of this page) and entered "Prostate Cancer - Radiotherapy Proctitis" and it came up with plenty of matches - the issue is many of them are from other groups - mainly the anal cancer group.

By me replying your post will be "bumped up" to the top of the page and I hope seen and replied to by other members of this group with the same issue.

Best wishes - Brian.

I had it quite badly towards the end of my radiotherapy. I was bleeding every day after the morning enema in preparation for that days session. I was given some suppositories to help which I believe were steroids.

After radiotherapy was finished it mostly cleared but would re-occur every few weeks. Constipation seemed to be a common trigger.

As time passed it got less frequent to the point 2 years after finishing my radiotherapy it has "touch wood" pretty much cleared up. I haven't had any treatment for it apart from the steroids I got when finishing radiotherapy.

I didn't have SPACEOAR in preparation for radiotherapy.

I must admit I was resigned to having it for life as I have heard the bowel/intestine does not heal. However, two years on it does appear to have cleared up.

Sandberg (Rob)

Hi Rooky sorry Frank has rectal bleeding.  It is quite a shock when it happens and can be for a number of reasons.  If it is heavy or excessive make sure that he is tested for anaemia (remember that a teaspoon of blood in the loo looks like a chainsaw massacre!).  I started bleeding a few months after RT and was told it was radiation proctitis and would settle. After about a year my oncologist referred me to have a camera up the b*m.  The result showed some proctitis and also diverticula issues and some piles.  There is a procedure to seal the radiation damage but the advice was it wasn’t worth worrying about.  Over the years it has got less and less and now only occurs every 2 months or so.  I was given some great advice not to strain or sit on the loo for too long and I am sure that has helped.  Always take any new symptoms to the medics and get their advice.

Hi Rooky ,

I have had trouble with my Bowels on and off for a few years now , it became quite bad that When I went to the loo the paper was soaked in blood , I decided to take a picture ( unpleasant I know) and show it to my doctor at my next consultation. It worked a treat she fast tracked me to the Gastroenterology unit .

Within weeks I was having a Sehat Scan , you do this twice within a week , you have to stand against a wall for 10 minutes, sounds easy however i did start swaying after a while .

The result was I was diagnosed with Bile Acid malabsorption , medication is required (Colesevelam 625mg up to six a day) I settled on 2 .

After a few months I noticed I had a solid poo , so as you can imagine I was very happy , so it works .

I feel it may be a-bit soon for you to have this , however if it continues and your not happy definitely ask and don’t forget the picture , that will get them moving ( pardon the pun)

good luck and hope this helps.

all the best

Tony

Sorry for late response to messages here i have a new phone so hope given my age and tech involved that in itself is self  explanatory 

Rob thanks for info good to know it can clear up.  Frank had a call from Ninewells Hospital yesterday giving him a date of May 8th for a colonoscopy….. this apparently is a cancellation date but we will call and say we are prepared to go to any hospital should a cancellation arise again.  He is fine within himself but its dragging him down a bit for obvious reasons.  I will update you all after his appointment.  Just another hurdle on the prostate path of life.  Thank you all for the kind messages of support too it is  much appreciated by usboth 

Hi Brian and as always thank you for your help in providing useful information.  As soon as we know the result we will update the forum.  Hope all well with you at present.

Lesley & Frank

Hello Lesley & Frank (Rooky )

All good thanks, just starting a weeks holiday in Scotland with half the family and yes it’s raining.

I had my 3rd colonoscopy about 8 weeks ago - no cancer, no polyps, no piles - the good news no more colonoscopy!!

I wish you well with everything-it’s not as bad as it sounds - it’s the preparation beforehand!!

Best wishes - Brian.

Ahh Brian i love that you love Scotland enough to return if only for the ‘square sausage (slicey)

enjoy your stay x