H all, I've not posted a question on here before but have responded to a post. I had Radiotherapy for cervical cancer 16 years ago and have had gastro problems helped by cholestagel, urinary and vaginal problems too.
Two months ago I had to have CT scans for investigation. I hadn't realised they were radiation based. I was given two medium strength doses over my bladder area. The day after, after a short walk, about 15 minutes, I developed pain and bleeding (from broken skin I think) around the anus and parts close to the vagina. It was also uncomfortable to sit down so had to lie some of the time. It took a few days of not doing much before it settled down again. When I started anything active or a few minutes walking it would get sore again so I went to see my GP who prescribed some steroid cream and advised me to buy barrier cream too. This seemed to help after a day or too. However after a few days of being ok, as soon as I walk very far, it flares up again and the pain stays for several days. I've been applying the creams on and off but the problem comes back again. The last five days it has been particularly bad again and I will return to the GP.
My fear is that the CT scan has set something new off on a pelvis that is already really sensitive. From one or two enquiries I've made, the replies were basically that CT scans shouldn't have affected me. As I mentioned these were medium strength (I asked the radiographer and did tell her about my sensitivity from radiotherapy before the scans).
Is it just coincidence that this problem is still here after two months and started the day after the CT scan?
Has anyone else had a similar query or experience?
My current thought is that I wouldn't have another CT scan for fear of things getting even worse. It would be useful to have more information but there seems to be nothing about it anywhere. I really don't know where to ask so hence my post on here.
Nothing of concern was found thankfully on the scan and I'm grateful for that but it seems to have left this pain and not being able to go far. I realise everyone in the NHS is trying their best at a time of very difficult circumstances but is this something that needs looking at?
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notemily
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I had pelvic radiotherapy 10 years ago for an endometrial cancer. I had a triple scan (chest pelvis and abdomen some 5 years later which showed no recurrence but did demonstrate severe constipation. That was near the beginning of my troubles with PRD . Colonoscopy showed a damaged and thickened sigmoid colon. CAT scans do not seem to have caused any problems. I believe it is a tiny dose of X Rays compared with the ones used to treat cancers. Managing my altered bowel habits has been an ongoing struggle. The radiation cannot avoid the large intestine though nowadays they are developing ways of shielding the gut especially in men with prostate cancer. Things get better over time.
It may just be a coincidence. Do you use a vaginal oestrogen cream or pessary to keep the vaginal skin healthy? Depends whether you are allowed this treatment. My cancer was not hormone dependent and I think the Vagifem keeps the vagina and perineum in better shape.
Sorry you are feeling so anxious - have another word with your doctor who may well be able to reassure you. They want to make time for other patients despite the Covid crisis.
Hi Jude the Obscure. Thank you for your replies. I do use pessaries mainly to try and keep uti s down. Sadly the radiotherapy has hugely reduced the vagina so there is little left. I really hope this new problem is a coincidence as it started the day after the scans. I’m still puzzled by the strength of the CTs having asked the radiologist if it was low dosage and being told it was medium. (Both over the same area). Not being a medical person I don’t know what effect that would have. I am hoping to get another appointment with the doctor tomorrow and hopefully he can explain what’s causing the problem and suggest another treatment if it’s not radiation caused. It would be good to be able to resume getting outdoors and getting some exercise. So missing it!
I’m pleased to read that your CT scans didn’t cause any problems.
I too have some problems with walking - largely due to pelvic and lower abdominal pain and the need for a loo at the beginning and end of the walk! Just walking around the block at present when weather permits. We have a lovely garden but not a place to be at this time of the year. I am a fair weather gardener.
We had our Covid jabs yesterday at the local surgery. Such a a relief to get the first one in! PRD is the gift that keeps on giving I'm afraid and my symptoms change from time to time. I just try to manage what's there at the moment and not fret about tomorrow.
PS I too had brachytherapy but it only irradiates the upper third of the vagina and should not cause problems elsewhere according to the senior radiotherapist who looked after me. Jude
Before I retired I worked in the field of radiation safety and I can reassure you that you would get no side-effects from a CT scan. The exposure is about the same as you'd get in about 4 years of the natural background we get anyway. I had over 30 CT scans as part of my radiotherapy to my pelvis - to make sure the beams were targeted correctly each time. You'd need ten thousand of them to equal the radiation you get during radiotherapy.
Hi D_CymroThank you very much for your reply and reassurance. This is a new problem which cropped up the day after my CT scans hence my concern that there is a connection between them. From your reply there won't be - I am very relieved to read that as I've been very worried about it. Just need to find out the cause of the pain now and hopefully the right treatment for it!
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