Prostate cramping...

[AcousticEagle]

I recently finished up 40 sessions of radiation. First, generally over the prostate bed, finally more targeted "boost" at prostate and lymph node areas. Doc cut short the plan from 46 planned because my pain is so bad. I have these intense cramps that make me feel like im going to crap my pants...and have on occasion.

My question is: is this normal for those of you who have had prostate radiation??

Frequency can be a often as every 5-10 minutes. Occurs throughout the day but worse at night, it feels like an intense cramp or contraction of the prostate (involuntary, 10-15 seconds in length). It grabs me so hard i stop in my tracks, yell/groan, squeeze, try not to cuss and just hang on for dear life.

This has been going on for 4 weeks. I have tried Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Anti-Spasmatic Dycyclomine, Hydrocodone, GasX, Beano, PrepH reg/cooling/suppositories, Hydrocortisone, Bactine/Salonpas topicals, Ice Pack, bathing warm/cool/hot, walking, not walking, not sitting bad, standing or not, laying down left, right, center. Only thing that works a little is Ibuprofen and i cant do that forever. Im also on Orgavox (unrelated to this effect i believe).

Which doc should i see about this: Existing Rad Onc, Existing Urology Doc or new GI doc/cutter that ive never met?

Also, if im being a wimp and this is just how this treatment goes, tell me that too! It just doesnt seem normal.

[Tall_Allen]

It sounds like irritable bowel syndrome. It might be worth a meeting with a gastroenterologist.

[AcousticEagle in reply to Tall_Allen]

Yes, i need to find one again. Its been a few years since my UC. I live in Appleton WI area but am looking at uwhealth.org Madison area. Anybody have recommendations in the Wisconsin area?

[mistersafety]

This is a longshot but cheap & easy with no downside:

healthunlocked.com/advanced...

This too shall pass!

[Graham49]

You could try diazepam. It's used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures or fits.

[Explorer08]

I take Myrbetriq for spasms. Works well. Occasionally I take Hyoscyamine for bowel spasms.

[AcousticEagle in reply to Explorer08]

Doc is trying Donnatal which has Hyoscyamine in it. Seems to help but wears off quicker than I'd like.

[j-o-h-n]

I had two cramps when I woke up this morning. One in the back of my right leg and when it stopped I got one in the back of my left leg. Very painful....... just screaming and massaging the back of the legs, until the pain stopped (than God),,,,

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Saturday 08/12/2023 10:25 PM DST

[fast_eddie in reply to j-o-h-n]

Sounds like hamstring cramps. Stretch the hamstrings. Maybe more importantly, and surprisingly, stretch the calf muscles. I used to get these cramps during long sessions at the poker table.

[j-o-h-n]

Craps!!! Thank you for the advice. I already took care of the cramps in my wrists by Jack King off...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Sunday 08/13/2023 2:02 PM DST

[AcousticEagle]

As a follow up, I had an infection cooking with no temperature and pouch-itis or prostatitis. I ended up at UW Health - Madison ER. Went to local ER and they gave me a pain shot and sent me home with a priceless Freudian quote: "We don't deal with pain (management) in the ER." Went there and they solved in two days what I couldn't get solved up here in 5 weeks. Thanks for all your feedback.

FYI. Cramp were in the prostate/rectal area not legs.