Bladder problems after radiotherapy

Hello Rawsoftba9a24 

I am so sorry to read of your issues. I had an indwelling catheter for over 10 months so here are a few points.

* Don't try and pee or try and stop peeing - the catheter is designed to continuously empty your bladder. Straining or pushing or trying to pee won't help.

* Keep drinking fluids and pushing fluids through your body.

* Ensure all leg straps go behind the pipework not over it and avoid kinks and bends.

* Every day boil some water, let it cool and without any soap (peel back your foreskin if you have one) and clean the pipe from where it enters your penis to the valve. There will be debris and this should prevent any UTI's.

Yes, it does take some getting used to,

I hope the above helps - anything else, just ask.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks, Brian, for the practical advice. I will stick with it but feel somewhat abandoned and, to say the least, it is a wretched nuisance - particularly since I want to rebuild my strength after completion of the radiotherapy. Thanks again.

Hello Rawsoftba9a24 

Rawsoftba9a24 said:

but feel somewhat abandoned

Sadly this is a very common feeling on a Prostate Cancer journey. I find  that you need to advocate for yourself, chase up appointments and when you do get them go into them with the answers you want hear and if you don't get them ask questions.

You add to this feeling after completing Radiotherapy as you have been the hospital daily, met other patients and staff -- now you are on your own again.

Happy to answer any questions and I hope you get sorted soon.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks for the encouragement, Brian. It may be a generation thing but it is not my way to make a fuss. However, my lovely children are constantly urging me to be more proactive and I will do my best. There is also the problem of whom to contact but that's another story. Thanks again, Roger