Hi, I am 4 weeks post op from a full hysterectomy which went really well and I feel great. I have just been informed though that I need vaginal HDR Brachytherapy. I have read that this can affect the bowels and cause diarrhoea during treatment so a low fibre diet is recommended, I'm just wondering if anyone else who has had this treatment had any problems and if so how did they manage without vegetables!. Thank you in advance.
I had 3 sessions but it wasn’t too bad and I just ate sensibly and as I’m a vegetarian I just avoided high fibre foods. The fatigue started big style afterwards. The bowel and bladder were affected a little bit but soon settled down. Just make sure you ask questions and tell the team any concerns. Hope it goes well for you x
I was also very lucky in not experiencing major side effects. I did feel tired and I got bouts of cystitis for a couple of months but I'm fine now. I didn't change my diet at all. I do use the dilators fairly regularly to make sure future examinations are possible and not painful. I've got my first follow up appointment tomorrow so I'll see if it's worked!
Hope everything went well with your follow up. Thank you for the advice
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007