What after effects has anyone experienced after vaginal brachytherapy?

Hi Galanthophile I think we have spoke before about Brachy. I'm about a year on and I have begin to have more spotting and to me I feel as though my vagina is narrower. I'm wondering if the top of my vagina has further narrowed. That's why I bought some others that I'm finding more comfortable and I am using both 3 & 4 dialators.  I have been interested to read on this thread the view that some ladies think that the medics easily dismiss the side affects of Brachy. I have been diagnosed with chronic late affects of radiation - radiation proctitis however I think it is a given that most will have acute side effects that resolve over time.  Stay safe Dawn xx

You too xx

Largest dilator gives me the heebie-jeebies just looking at it.....I suppose the scratchy feeling I have  at waist level could be scar tissue from the brachy not remaining stitches. Internally using the dilator does not hurt and I have not yet lost any grey skin as a discharge, which the nurse warned me to expect, nor had any bleeding.  The oncologist examined me internally on March 9 and said everything looked fine.

Of course I  am only using  the smallest dilator at present but  I did manage to use next size up recently and  it hurt on entry but not in use .  Fhe worrying thing about brachy  is not knowing what any long term side effects will be. 

Hi Nightingale 19, yes it does look daunting. I was told at my post radiation check up I should be using at least 2 or 3 scary lol. I have, in the beginning, a grey watery discharge but not now. I haven't spotted often but I read the Christie Brachy leaflet and it says that spotting is normal unless heavy blood or smelly discharge then contact the hospital. Bowel and bladder disruption is a early side affect but this should resolve in about 3 month. Unfortunately for me I have developed chronic side affects but they are becoming manageable. Stay safe Dawn x

Hi re the dilators.My radiotherapist told be to go up the the size 2 which I am now using .  Presumably because my vagina isn't as big due to the hysterectomy last year. This is follow radiotherapy due to a recurrence.  A  little bit of discomfort but I find it easier if I slather Epaderm cream first . I use this twice a day anyway to stop and dryness.  Works wonders .Then use the dilator with the lubricant smoothed over it rather than a blob on top which works much better .  Radiotherapist also told be when inserting not to try to push in .  Rather insert using little twists and remove twisting the opposite way .  This stops you catching and tearing the skin especially if you are quite dry .

I was also told that at long as I could manage the size 2 it was fine, although they asked me to try to go up to size 3, which I can now do.  The size 4 looks scary and the nurse laughed and told me not to worry, I didn't need to use that one. It's now a year since my treatments finished (celebrated last week).  I still get a bit tired and sometimes when I need the loo I need it now.  Other than that I am absolutely fine.