Rectal spacer experience

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User

Posted 07 Feb 2025 at 10:15

I was due to start a 5 day radiotherapy course next Monday but my consultant called up and said having reviewed the treatment/pathway having a Rectal spacer would be better before the 5 day treatment or do a 20 day radiotherapy. The hospital undertaking the procedure is at least 1 hr away by car on a good day and public transport involves 3 changes (train, underground and bus). So I am reluctant to have the 20 days treatment. I have not heard of the Rectal spacer method, nor has it been mentioned before by any of the clinical staff, nor have other people (non medical) I have spoken to about prostate cancer ever mentioned it.

Has anyone had experience of a Rectal spacer? What was the time gap between having a Rectal spacer and any radiotherapy? Did you suffer any complications with the Rectal spacer?

Thanks Armourginger

User

Posted 07 Feb 2025 at 13:10

Hi Armourginger,

Welcome to the club and sorry you've had to join!

I had a spacer fitted before 15 sessions of EBRT and then 1 of HDR brachytherapy. The time line for me was:

16/10/2024 - Spacer procedure

22/10/2024 - Planning scan

13/11/2024 - EBRT started

The spacer was very similar to the biopsy though over a lot quicker: undignified positioning, ultrasound up your bum, some anesthetic needles, then needle to insert the gel spacer. It was all very straight forward and I suffered no complications.

There's no way of knowing how much difference it made, however I had no big issues during the EBRT, a bit more tired, slightly more windy with some mucus (nice!), I'm hoping it has spared me worse long term issues and happy I went ahead with it.

All the best for your treatment, let us know how you get on

John

User

Posted 07 Feb 2025 at 21:04

John, I appreciate your reply and thank you for the information. Glad that it all worked out for you. Nice to know that the rectal spacer worked out without much trouble. I was/am nervous about that part and possible complications. As I am having 5 days of radiotherapy the dosage will be higher than the 20 day course. So as much protection as I can get is appreciated.

Thanks again.

Paul

User

Posted 10 Feb 2025 at 09:22

Hi Armourginger,

No problem, that was my thinking too, I glad it was offered to me, anything that could reduce side effects both short and long term seemed like a good idea. I like the sound of the 5 day course of radiotherapy, unfortunately that wasn't given to me as an option, however 15 days wasn't bad at all, just more travelling back and forth to the hospital!

All the best

John

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