LDR bracotherapy

I had my LDR Brachytherapy 5 days ago at Bishops Wood Hospital.

It went relatively smoothly I think. I had to stay in overnight because I could not urinate normally at first so had to have a catheter to drain the urine. The cather is pretty painless going in but hurts a bit on removal. When removed it can irritate the lining of the urethra and make peeing a bit painful for a couple days afterwards. You may not need a catheter after the procedure but I thought I'd mention it.

You can't be discharged until you've peed normally twice, they seem pretty strict on that. I was given a bag full of medications to take home that consisted of 500mg Paracetamol and Nefopam for pain relief, Tamsulosin that ensures the pee keeps flowing, Penicillin to stave off any infection and Lactulose for possible constipation. 

I've had constipation for the first 5 days but today, finally had rather a pathetic stool, but at least things are moving again. I think the constipation can be caused by your body being suddenly hit with the cocktail of meds

As for the procedure well I was taken to a prep room where the anaesthetist put a cannula in my hand and ran some anaesthetic into me before giving me an injection in the lower back (that I did not feel) and I don't remember anything else until I was back in my room.

After 5 days I'm peeing really strongly without pain, have a slight ache in the prostate area and as previously mentioned a bit constipated.

I'm 64 so a little older than you.

As for erectile disfunction, well I've had a couple of involuntary ones (you know, early morning) so I'm hopeful I'll be OK on that score.

Apparently after 5 days or so the radiation can start to mess with the prostate area in general so I could develop problems with waterworks and bowel movements down the road but fingers crossed.

So far I'm quietly confident for a good recovery.

Hope yours goes as well.

Regards

Rob

Thanks pal, that's really useful info. It's been a difficult decision to make but hey it is for everyone.

Hello Wil (Wil4521b9f4a4) 

Our resident expert in Brachytherapy is Alpine Wanderer and having "tagged" him into this post I am sure he will be in touch in the next day or so. You can read his entire journey here

 Surgery or Radiotherapy? Decision made! 

(and a shorted version) by clicking on his name ir avatar - I am sure his was done at Addenbrookes.

I wish you well with the treatment.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Wil4521b9f4a4 - I see that Millibob has tagged me.  I think you’ve made a great choice: I should think there will be a high likelihood that Mr Krastner will be your LDR brachytherapy surgeon. I had mine at Addenbrookes by him.  As you will see from my bio (and long thread) both tagged by Millibob, I have had a textbook response so far.  I’m writing this from the Italian Alps, so fatigue is not a problem.  ED has also not been a problem for me (kept everything working with 5mg tadalafil per day and weekly bedroom action.  Harder to do than it sounds, without libido!  However, after 18 months hormone therapy, that is now returning, so all is well.  Are you having mono therapy brachytherapy?  Any HT involved?   AW

Cheers pal, it's Simon Russell who is doing it I believe. Thanks for the detailed response  

Thanks pal

Thanks pal, not aware of HT or anything else. I'm fairly active , retired ex  mil and I like my outdoors etc. Of on a wee trip now, nothing fancy just the Teide etc. Thanks for detailed response. I will keep you updated post my procedure .

Hi Wil4521b9f4a4 - Wil: ex military- so am I..  also, when you go up Teide, take plenty of warm clothing!  Many make the mistake of thinking it’s a lovely day and have to retreat early. There’s a lovely pathway to viewpoints : don’t miss them.  Oh, and Dr Simon Russell was my consultant at Addenbrookes.  He was brilliant and took time to explain everything.  I felt very reassured.  Mr chris Krastner did the op.  AW

Google Mr Krastner Addenbrookes.  He’s got a great profile.  So has Simon Russell.  You’re in good hands.  AW

hi, i am probably the closest to have had what you are having, please review my profile..  There arnt many people who have posted on just LDR alone and those who have havent always put it on their profile, so maybe you could afterwards to allow some comparisons.. I have my 9 month check in 2 weeks so hoping for a very low figure now.