Radiation cystitis

[Papa1]

I’ve had a number of radiation aftermath issues over the years, including a fistula and infection requiring two open abdominal surgeries. However, the last three years with an indwelling suprapubic catheter have been pretty chill. Management has been pretty easy, little discomfort and no real pain.

Lately, I’ve had increased urgency and intermittent soreness and discomfort, enough to wake me a night, even though I’m using a bed bag at night.

My hospital based urologist doesn’t seem to inclined to offer any treatment. He’s primarily a surgeon who I have great respect for but if it can’t be fixed with a scalpel and sutures, he’s reluctant to offer treatment.

Has anyone had similar post radiation symptoms treated with medication or otherwise?

Radiation—the gift that keeps on giving.

[Tall_Allen]

Some get relief from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

[Anthonyve in reply to Tall_Allen]

indeed!

I had 40 hyperbaric treatments which reduced the bleeding problem by about 90%.

Unfortunately, it did little for the pain though.

[fast_eddie]

It was accounts like this that steered me away from the external beam radiation they recommended.

"Radiation—the gift that keeps on giving."

[Papa1 in reply to fast_eddie]

Yes, we all may bitch and moan about life, but we are alive. I was not a candidate for surgery in 2016, so RT ha given me 8 years and counting.

[fast_eddie in reply to Papa1]

I was not a candidate for surgery in 2016 too. HIFU has given me 8 years free of any nasty treatment consequences including radiation cystitis but some people here on this site scorn HIFU.

[j-o-h-n]

FYI Lee, there are tons of posts regarding "Radiation cystitis" or just plain ole "Cystitis" in the H.U. history file which you can peruse regarding your concern(s). Find and read.

You're a kid at 80, I'm an old man at 87.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[Papa1 in reply to j-o-h-n]

My 85-year-old buddy at the gym insists that we are not “old” but “older.”

I’ve found a good article that suggests a few medical treatments short of hyperbaric chamber treatments. I do not have hematuria, just annoying false urgency and discomfort.

There are some nurse practitioners at the urology practice. I’m going to see if they are more attuned to treating “discomfort” than the surgeons.

[j-o-h-n in reply to Papa1]

Hopefully so, re: the PA's........................

Some say, that you're as old as the woman you feel.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n