Radiation Proctitis

Hi C&TUS,I had/have radiation proctitis, nearly 3 years now my symptoms, constipation, painful bowel movements, rectal fissures and bleeding, though pretty bad for a while, are almost a thing of the past now, like you I was as regular as clockwork, then I could go days without going which is not nice, enema time lol, but through exercise and finding the right diet for me I go once or twice almost every day, an occasional discomfort and no fissures for over a year, I do bleed most days, almost certainly from the bowel and self medicate with docusate and movicol as needed, 

Eddie

Eddiel, Sorry to hear that and thank you for taking the time to respond. By exercise do you mean walking and could you provide some hints on diet? Thank you very much  

Exercise is walking predominately, 7,000 steps daily, swimming twice a week and a light exercise group once or twice a week. diet is just a simple healthy one, I eat smaller meals but more often, i start and end the day with yoghurt, real Greek is best, and fresh fruit, I don't eat processed food, and curry's and spicy foods are less so, and not as often, but drinking plenty of water is very important, as is not forcing your bowel motions.

Eddie

Ha ha, excepting the exercise classes I am pretty much there. Although I do like a curry. Once again thanks. Oh I also eat porridge with my yoghurt and fruit for breakfast.thanks again

your welcome, It's mostly common sense and patience, which you already have. anyway I have a 345 mile drive to do now, that won't help the bowels lol, bet wishes.

Eddie

Hi Cinderella and the Ugly Sisters , you didn’t give any info other than radiation proctitis and I think it probably covers a range of symptoms.  I had rectal bleeding after 37 sessions of 2Gy which started a few months after RT.  I had a camera inspection and radiation proctitis diagnosed.  The bleeding wasn’t everyday but 3/4 times a week and not very severe.  After about 4 years I had another camera (where the sun don’t shine) and reconfirmed that all was the same.  The consultant gave me some tips which I have to say have made a big difference and bleeding lessened slowly and is now less than monthly.

1. If you have excessive bleeding watch out for anaemia. (As with any big bleed).

2. If you feel an urge to go, then go.

3. Don’t ever force.

4. Don’t sit on the loo for long.  If you need to, get up and walk about and then go when you are ready.

All of these are fairly common sense but have made a difference.  Particularly the sitting which I have to admit I used to do.

Keeping hydrated is important, I have a morning cuppa and have a pint of water before 11am and that usually triggers a need for the loo.  As for curries, I used to keep a diary of food intake and blood appearances and found no noticeable correlation (luckily as I like a curry).  Hope this helps.  David

Thanks David. Sound advice. Thank you. 

I had this and was given an enema to use every evening for about 3 months - sorry can't remember the name.  However when prescribing it the consultant said it may not make any difference - certainly in the time I took it it made no difference but things gradually got better as time went by.  It only started at about 6 months post radiotherapy.  I would say that at about a year post Completion of RT things were considerably better.  Worth asking if there is anything that can be prescribed. 

I had it quite badly for the last week of my radiotherapy. I would bleed quite badly every morning when I emptied my bowels after the enema. The blood was bright red so I think the bleed was near or in the rectum. I also had a little pain/mild discomfort when passing stools.

I was prescribed a suppository and used this for around a week following my treatment. This cleared it up at the time.

I'm now coming up to 18 months post radiotherapy and I now see a trace of mucus/blood very occasionally (maybe every 2-3 weeks).

My bowels are mostly pretty normal with the occasional bout of constipation which seems to clear up after a few days.

I eat one main meal a day at lunchtime with loads of vegetables which seems to suit me. I also have a good breakfast with porridge/prunes and some protein like egg on toast.

I do experience more bowel movements/day at times but while a minor inconvenience these don't bother me too much. 

My condition seems stable at the moment.

Best Wishes Rob