Bladder advice needed

[Tonyliv]

Hi guys

Had radiotherapy two months ago, and the following CT scan has shown a thickening in the bladder wall.

This has coincided with changed bladder symptoms - increased frequency needed and decreased flow (usually just dribbling to start with).

I’ve got an urology appointment next week for a possible Cystoscopy. Any advice? If there are any strictures, any remedy?

Thanks, Tony

[Derf4223]

I have heard RT bladder/urination issues can take 6 months to over a year to improve.

[Tall_Allen]

Do NOT have a cystoscopy. The tissues are fragile and instrumentation can tear them.

This is a common early side effect. Treat conservatively with an alpha-blocker and NSAIDs to reduce the inflammation. It will probably disappear on its own in a few weeks to a few months.

[Tonyliv in reply to Tall_Allen]

That’s understood 👍

[Tonyliv in reply to Tonyliv]

Just got prescribed some tamulosin, hopefully that will do the trick.

[Explorer08 in reply to Tonyliv]

I was on Tamsulosin for a few years. Eventually it caused bradycardia and I was switched to solifenacin but that gave me terrible constipation. I was then switched to Myrbetriq and that works very well for me.

[spencoid2 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Have similar problems. After 7 years CT scan still shows thick bladder was. Have frequency urgency etc but less now than before. Seems to be getting a little better, do not have to gt up to pee 15 times a night. Either my urologist or oncologist said that NSAIDS actually can make urination problems worse. So I have avoided them even and for other reasons. I keep my back functioning with exercise.

[lowT163 in reply to Tall_Allen]

is the aspirin added to reduce the size of the prostate and does it work long term?

[Tall_Allen in reply to lowT163]

NSAIDs reduce inflammation - Inflammation goes away on its own eventually, like a sunburn

[lowT163 in reply to Tall_Allen]

mimes probably just enlarged prostate. Two flowmax fixes it. I just was trying to get off it. Which of the treatments is best of the resume/urolift or turp. Or any other?

[Tall_Allen in reply to lowT163]

Get a diagnosis first.

[Dobbin69]

Hi Tony whilst thankfully clear of cancer I have had an enlarged prostate for over 20 years. I have had two internal examinations over the years most recently to discover the cause of gross hematuria. In the course of the investigation it could be seen that my bladder walls were thickened as a result of many years straining to go. No after effects from the cystoscopys and fascinating to see the inside of my bladder and the invasive prostate.

I too can be up for a pee numerous times a night and find that avoiding things like acidic fruit juice helps. Don’t do caffeine and can’t take NSAIDS. Tamsulosin and Finasteride help greatly.

Good luck.

[dixiedad]

I'm taking Gemtesa. Supposedly relaxes the muscle around the bladder. Sleep through the night.

[Hidden]

Tony, consider this: as we age one’s bladder loses its ability to expand due to thickening of the bladder in place or places. It’s a normal aging process. With that said, depending on issues that you are facing, it would be pride to rule out all the bad stuff first..... in this case, a Urogram and a look inside the bladder. If you have already had these diagnostic tests, then have a talk about what to do when parts of your bladder walk thickens and starts to lose its ability to expand due to wall thickening.

Side effects from diagnostic testing can be a fact of life. However, it is better to nip in the bud early, then to hope all is fine. Rely on your pro. They have the experience, knowledge and education more so than anyone else...... this has been my watchword since metastasis to my spine in 2004. I am 76 years of age.

I wish you the best.

Gourd Dancer

[dadzone43]

Do not agree to instrumentation. Too early; too risky. dribbling and urgency are better than a surgical repair of a torn bladder.

[lowT163]

same issue here. Mine responds to flowmax but I’d like to get off of it.