Long term radiotherapy side effects

These are both possible late-onset side effects (meaning not starting until at least 3 months after treatment, but can be years later), known respectively as radiation cystitis and radiation proctitis.

For the radiation cystitis, I would start by getting a urine dip test done, looking particularly for infection markers (although these aren't reliable in dip tests), and also for microscopic hematuria (traces of blood too small to see). In case of infection, you may need some antibiotics, and drinking cranberry juice might also help. Any case of hematuria needs referring back to urology on a 2 week wait, just to confirm is it radiation cystitis and not something more serious.

For radiation proctitis, you would be referred to colorectal, again for them to confirm this is the cause, and not something more serious. If you pass blood, this would also be on a 2 week referral.

Thank you, Chris. Did you receive any treatment for the radiation proctitis?

I’ve seen my consultant and so far he hasn’t offered a strategy to lessen the discomfort. He has done a urinary check for bladder/kidney infection and has referred me to get a colonoscopy which I understand is the usual practice.

Aside from the urinary pain and soreness in the prostate area, I’m now experiencing a constant need to urinate both night and day, and I would appreciate any further advice/info you can give. 

Egg33 

I delevoped stage 4 radiation cystitis, a few months after salvage RT. By the time my pelvic radiation damage was diagnosed i was beyond help, I now have a catheter for life and a bladder capacity of twenty mls. My symptoms were passing blood ,blood clots and tissue. Urology and radiotherapy blamed each other. 

Don't get fobbed off and if you can get a referral to someone who understands radiation damage. Severe damage only happens in around 5 percent of some RT treatments.

Thanks Chris

Edited by member 24 Jan 2022 at 09:57  | Reason: Not specified

colwickchris: I'm so sorry to hear of your predicament and thank you for your advice regarding finding someone who understands radiation damage. I shall look for a specialist (if they exist). 

Best wishes,

Chris