Severe bladder pain after radiotherapy

Hello Rawsoftba9a24 

I am so sorry to read of your issues.

It's a medical issue and you have to trust the team dealing with your issues. All I can suggest is you keep in touch with them, confirm you are still in pain and need something to get you to sleep. 

Do please let us know how you get on.

Best wishes - Brian.

Firstly, what Millibob says is the best way.

I cannot speak to your position directly, but I can relate to the pain situation due to my encounter with severe, unrelated, back pain immediately after radiotherapy.

It seems to me that, whilst waiting for the right antibiotics, your team need to treat the symptoms and manage the pain effectively. From what you described they are not yet doing that. I am not too surprised because, from experience, it is more art than science. It seemed to be, albeit for a different cause, they had to offer something and then watch what happened.

If the painkiller isn’t you have been prescribed is not doing the job, then you have to find one or two that do. A word of warning here - the painkiller that was most effective for me took 14 days to build up. This should not be a problem for you, because your pain is caused by infection.

I suspect that, when the test results come back and the correct antibiotic is found, then your situation will change quickly. Keep on at them until it does.

I am pleased to say that the problem has been resolved. For the benefit of anyone reading this post, this is a brief summary. It was wrongly considered that I did not need a catheter as urine retention was insufficient to justify. This proved not to be the case and for over 4 days I was operating with a full bladder and no way of getting any relief or sleep. A new catheter has now been fitted and the relief from the intense pain has virtually gone - although I am still behind with sleep. I wish to say that I have the highest regard for all medical staff who continue t look after me and are very attentive and caring. These things happen - but I hope it does not happen to anyone else. Best wishes.

Thank you for your helpful comments. Please see my follow-up. Best wishes

Hi Rawsoftba9a24 I hesitated to say anything but I was in severe retention after only 4 of my 20 fractions of radiotherapy and was catheterised in A&E after suffering extreme pain such as you describe.

I hope that the relief becomes even greater for you as the days pass. My nights became easier when I disovered the 2-litre night bags that attach to your leg bag. I get some via my urology department but I've also bought some online.

I hope your recovery is swift and complete.

Chris

Hello Chris (Odd Man In ) 

I do hope your situation is improving.

Odd Man In said:

I've also bought some online.

Let me know if you need any more - I have about 3 month's worth of short thigh bags and about 3 months worth of night bags if you need them.

Kind regards - Brian.

Brian, that's really kind. I have several tests before the end of June which should tell me what I need. Can I come back to you later about this?

Chris

Chris (Odd Man In ) 

No problem at all - No holidays planned until late August!! .

I hope you don't need them and things improve.

Kind regards - Brian.

Hello Chris. I am truly sorry that you experienced similar pain due to retention but pleased that things are getting easier for you. Like you, my discovery of night bags made a huge difference. The whole process is totally alien to me but we all cope as best we can. Being able to get up less frequently at night certainly improved my time asleep. Thank you for your good wishes which I reciprocate. Roger