Tenesmus

Hi Bill, I had to look tenesmus up! Having looked it also sounds like radiation proctitis which is a common effect of radiation. Unfortunately I still suffer but for many it resolves some time after radiotherapy. I was prescribed Fybogel to help with this, ask your team at the treatment centre. I had weekly reviews during radiotherapy, which was useful to raise any issues. 

Hi Bill

I recently had 20 radiotherapy sessions which concluded just before Christmas.

As with Ido4, I too had to look up the word "Tenesmus" but I can say that I was affected by it and understand that it is a very common side effect of radiotherapy due to the close proximity of the prostate to the bowel. I was told at the time that this horrible side effect would wear off in time and I think it was about 4-6 weeks before things were back to normal. Meanwhile, try to avoid all spicy food such as curries, peppers, chilies, onions etc..

Best wishes,

Andy.

I am on my 17 th session of 20 and should say tenesmus is quite a problem! Started in bout the 15 th session and I clearly think a change in diet to spicy food started it . Now a bit settled in last 2 days since avoiding spicy food . I tend it to be worse just before RT when we need to fill bladder & empty rectum and it doesn’t feel empty even thoug. It is ! Bcos of tenesmus I agree .. it’s a difficult one 

Hi Mcjc

i had my 14th session out of 20 today and suffering similar symptoms to you, I was given suppositories and cream to help . I finding just getting to the hospital an achievement and becoming very familiar where all the public toilets are . Next Wednesday will be my last and I’m hoping it will not take too long to get back to normal

All the best

Tony

Hi

Im not saying this will work for everyone, but I had radiation prostitis and I took ferrous sulfate tablets, that seemed to do the trick, like I say might not work for everyone.

Stay safe

Joe

Hi all

I have been prescribed scheriproct suppositories, and only taken two so far....but they seemed to be doing the trick

Bill