Post Salvage Radiation & Reactive Arthritis?

[Abraxis49]

Hey Guys,

I would like to glean some collective wisdom/experience from this amazing group.

The end of this month will mark my one year anniversary of Salvage radiation therapy IMRT / IGRT

Conventional Fractionation

7000 cGy / 35 fractions to prostate fossa concurrent with

5000 cGy / 25 fractions to the regional pelvic lymphatics

Shortly after my treatments I began having stiff and painful joints, this has steadily increased in severity over the last year. My RO & URO seemed to be doubtful as to whether or not this was caused from the radiation therapy. My internist said he couldn't rule it out.

My internist has stated my condition as "reactive arthritis" I have an elevated sed rate and crp. Ive had a lot of additional blood-work for the the whole range of inflammatory & auto-immune disorders, none of which are positive. So, nothing that points in any definitive direction.

The overarching great news is that my most recent PSA is undetectable.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Steve

[T911]

What is your current Testosterone level? I was told my arthritis symptoms are a result of ADT and not the radiation treatments. They started appearing around the fourteen month mark of ADT. As it was explained to me testosterone is somehow involved in carrying or producing a signal for the body to produce lubrication in the joints.

[Abraxis49 in reply to T911]

Thank you for taking the time to review and respond. Great information. I haven't had my testosterone tested for many years. I have never been on ADT, but you have raised a great question that I will follow up on!

[mistersafety]

Hey there, Abraxis49 -- I'm in much the same boat, 5+ yrs out from similar salvage radiation. I feel very fortunate that my joints are only a bit achy and not all the time. I am pretty cautious about stressing my joints and try (not always successfully) not to get any parts fired up. When something flares up I use rest, physical therapy, yoga. I take turmeric + quercetin supplements and generally try to keep inflammation low. Recently, I took a week away from turmeric in preparation for a PSA blood test and I really felt in in my joints.

I'd say that if there is anything low risk & low cost with probable benefits, it would be eliminating/reducing foods and activities that promote whole-body inflammation. Keep in mind this is my opinion; not everyone subscribes to this approach and some would even recommend against it. So, do your research about inflammation, see what works for you and try to avoid the Dunning-Krueger effect! Best wishes.

[Abraxis49]

mistersafety,

Thanks you so much for all the great info. Totally agree with your approach and.....Copy that on the Dunning-Krueger effect!

It sounds like your symptoms are more aligned with OA vs RA. My symptoms actually improve with movement as the day progresses.....unfortunately mine lean towards the RA family, however, none of my blood work would indicate that. Go figure.

Thanks again for your input!

All the best!