Diarrhea caused by Zytiga or EBRT Radiation?

[Usernameitis]

First, I want to thank everyone for responding to my question regarding fatigue due to radiation and/or Zytiga. My husband just finished 28 treatments of EBRT 3 days ago. He is a happy man about that. However, lately, he has been experiencing diarrhea on a daily basis. Are there any thoughts of the cause….EBRT or Zytiga or both? And, if any others have had this, how long did it last or what did you do to help it? Thank you

[Tall_Allen]

Radiation can cause diarrhea or constipation. It should go away soon.

[Usernameitis in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thank you. Do you have any thoughts on the effectiveness of probiotics?

[Tall_Allen in reply to Usernameitis]

I have no opinion. But think of it as a sunburn of your colon tissue, causing irritation.

[Concerned-wife in reply to Usernameitis]

I was surprised when my gi dr recommended them..different cause of course. Might be worth a try but ask your drs first. There seems to be some research when I just searched suggesting they might help you.

[maley2711]

my anecdote........ no accidents yet, thank goodness, but horrible, stinky, diarrhea-like bowel movements began after 2 weeks of RT.....my treatment is 28 days. Some cramping/pain, and a gurgling stomach or intestine.

Still, beats constipation, IMO.

[CrackerOcala in reply to maley2711]

I'm 8 days in on my 28 days; lower intestinal stress (gurgling, bowel frequency, aching anus seems to be with me through the day). Did you finish treatment? Curious as to how long after your treatment before the intestinal turmoil settled down?

[maley2711 in reply to CrackerOcala]

Se my previous comment.....I just finished 15th of 28 sessions

[Usernameitis in reply to maley2711]

Ah. That is a case of your cup being half full. Love your positive thinking. We believe that any residual side effect of treatment is livable and so much better than the alternative. Good luck to you.

[Stereo1]

I had 35 treatments. Diarrhea began after about three weeks into the treatments. This made for some stressful hour long drives to the treatment center early in the morning.

I used Banatrol as recommended by nutritionist at the treatment center. Problem resolved itself a few weeks following the end of treatment.

[Usernameitis in reply to Stereo1]

Thanks for the tip.

[vintage42]

I had 20 EBRT (the IMRT variety) for prostate, then two years later, 30 IMRT for pelvis. The radiation had no effect on bowels, though I know it often causes diarrhea. It depends on whether the radiation hits the bowels.

And have been on Zytiga (abiraterone) for 4 months. I feel it trying to cause constipation, a known side effect, but it cannot because I take 2 spoonfuls of Metamucil nightly.

[Mgtd]

I had the diarrhea issue at about mid way in the 25 courses of radiation and afterwards too. I took Imodium and that helped. Took a while but it resolved itself. I might add I also had the pelvic area done at the same time.

[Sagewiz]

Yes, definitely. When I was undergoing EBRT it started about midweek of my 4th or 5th week. Explosive diarrhea a couple times a day. It tapered off after the radiation treatment and vanished after a bit. It was virtually uncontrollable a few times. I kept an anti-diarrheal pill with me for a while.

[Usernameitis in reply to Sagewiz]

I also think it is wise, as some have done, to keep an emergency mitigation package in the car…wet wipes, clean underwear - maybe pants too - etc. Ya neva know!

[Sagewiz in reply to Usernameitis]

Exactly! I always travelled with my "kit", diarrhea pills and post-radiation meds.