Don't worry, brachytherapy treatment, potential side effects, internals and using dilators seem much more daunting than they actually are. I was completely terrified beforehand! The HV brachytherapy is very quick and painless and you can talk to the radiographers the whole time if you want to. For the follow up, my oncologist used plenty of gel and the smallest speculum to examine me about 6 weeks after treatment ended - again completely painless. I started with dilators about 3 weeks after finishing brachy. I used loads of gel and started with the smallest dilator and had no problems, though I know some folk have a bit of spotting. I was given a leaflet and instructional DVD which was v.helpful. Your CNS will talk you through it,if you have any concerns.
Hi you will probably be glad you weren't introduced to dilators like I was - I had an appointment with a CNS, not one I had seen before, who talked me through how to use them, inserted one and then asked me if I would like to have a go! I declined and said I would practise at home! It does seem very daunting and I have only managed to go up to the second size but have had 3 monthly internal examinations for over 2 years now and they have all been ok, over very quickly and no discomfort. There was a bit of spotting the first couple of times as it was a few weeks after brachytherapy had finished, but nothing since. I still don't really like using them but want to do what I can to keep examinations pain free. Once you are in a routine I am sure you will be fine.
It's nearly 5 years since I had my radiotherapy (External and Brachy) and over that time I have obviously had quite a few internal examinations and have had no problems at all.. Some checks have been by my consultant Oncologist, some by her registrars (both male and female) and some with specialist nurses. As one doctor said to me "relaxation is the key"
I still can't say I enjoy these examinations but they always use so much lubricant that there has never been any real discomfort and certainly no actual pain. I have never had any spotting or bleeding. As far as dilation is concerned, right from the beginning, I have also been able to use what the doctor called the "natural method" (blushes!) with my husband.
A while back, there was a thread here where people discussed alternatives to the standard dilators - less clinical and more comfortable.
It’s a year since my brachytherapy and afterwards I was using the dialators three times a week. Ok, but not a pleasure that’s for sure. However since November I’ve found it more uncomfortable, almost painful so the Dr said to use them every day but I can’t quite manage that. Have used them every other day. Lately there has been blood on the tip of the dialator so I’m getting a bit anxious. Examinations haven’t been a problem. I’m used to it now!
I am surprised the doctor told you to use more often if they were getting more painful to use and starting to bleed. Is this your GP? If so is it a group practice?, "could you make another appointment to see a different GP? Alternatively could you ask to see the CNS nurse at the hospital to discuss your problems?
This was the doctor at the hospital where I have my 4 monthly check ups. Having said that I was in all of 5 minutes and that included the internal examination! I’m due back there next month.
