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Post radiotheraphy bowel issues

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User
Posted 14 Sep 2015 at 13:42

I had problems during radiotherapy (Feb 2015) with stomach upsets and whilst this has improved I have the occasional bouts of what seems like irritable bowel syndrome. Is this just a hangover from the radiotherapy or an unrelated issue.

Any thoughts?

User
Posted 14 Sep 2015 at 14:54

Hi Mr D,

Sorry you are experiencing bowel problems post RT. Bowel problems can follow RT at any time but some of these are more likely to follow for a few months after RT as in the case of mucus which I experienced or much later in the case of RT initiating other cancer. Diarrhea and cramps can occur at any time but it is difficult to say whether this is attributable to the RT or is due to something else, possibility irritable bowel syndrome. I experienced diarrhea and cramps on a few occasions several months after RT but it has happened very rarely since so I put it down to having eaten something that was not good (particularly as this happened after eating out). I think you would best see what your GP thinks as the NHS advise here for those who think they may have irritable bowel syndrome. PCa and treatments for it are often suspects for other problems where it may be something else. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Irritable-bowel-syndrome/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

Barry
User
Posted 14 Sep 2015 at 16:09
Hi

Have a look at this link regarding late effects of pelvic radiotherapy

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/side-effects-and-symptoms/late-effects-pelvic-radiotherapy/bowel-changes.html#tcm:9-45544

Arthur

User
Posted 14 Sep 2015 at 18:49
Hi all,

Very useful thread for us as bob having course of 10 radiotherapy treatments at momeet to bladder and prostate, thanks for posting.

I agree its a good idea to see gp just to check bowel problems are not due to anything else untoward.

Lesley x

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User
Posted 14 Sep 2015 at 14:54

Hi Mr D,

Sorry you are experiencing bowel problems post RT. Bowel problems can follow RT at any time but some of these are more likely to follow for a few months after RT as in the case of mucus which I experienced or much later in the case of RT initiating other cancer. Diarrhea and cramps can occur at any time but it is difficult to say whether this is attributable to the RT or is due to something else, possibility irritable bowel syndrome. I experienced diarrhea and cramps on a few occasions several months after RT but it has happened very rarely since so I put it down to having eaten something that was not good (particularly as this happened after eating out). I think you would best see what your GP thinks as the NHS advise here for those who think they may have irritable bowel syndrome. PCa and treatments for it are often suspects for other problems where it may be something else. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Irritable-bowel-syndrome/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

Barry
User
Posted 14 Sep 2015 at 16:09
Hi

Have a look at this link regarding late effects of pelvic radiotherapy

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/side-effects-and-symptoms/late-effects-pelvic-radiotherapy/bowel-changes.html#tcm:9-45544

Arthur

User
Posted 14 Sep 2015 at 18:49
Hi all,

Very useful thread for us as bob having course of 10 radiotherapy treatments at momeet to bladder and prostate, thanks for posting.

I agree its a good idea to see gp just to check bowel problems are not due to anything else untoward.

Lesley x

User
Posted 14 Sep 2015 at 20:18

Hi there,

finished my radiotherapy last November ( quite widely targeted as prostate had gone and there was a dodgy lymph node that also needed zapping ) and the bowel has been the only side effect problem area. windy , looseness , not a good combination ,difficulty finishing if you know what I mean , more frequent visits and a tendency toward urgency . On my last oncologist appt in mid june he prescribed Normacol , ironically a laxative but works as a bulking agent, taken morning and evening after my meal . For me it has made a real difference and I would reckon it is worth a try , I think you can buy it without prescription as well . I could certainly live with this problem if it were to carry on , as I still have the joys of the Zoladex side effects to live with for a good while yet

Hope this is helpful ,

Nigel 

User
Posted 15 Sep 2015 at 08:05

Many thanks to all for the advice.
KB

 
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