Radiation Proctitis - what medication have you been prescribed?

[Oonsy]

Hi all, I wanted to know if anyone has been prescribed meds for help with radiation proctitis (mines is mainly in the rectum and large intestine area).

My colonoscopy showed severe inflammation and bleeding (although this has subsided a lot!). Every so often the inflammation flares up, I get very sore and tender, my lower tummy swells up and it doesn't go away for days. I've tried all the usual remedies, but I wanted to know had anyone been prescribed an anti-inflammatory med that might help?

Thank you 😊

[Sarah_PRDA Partner]

Hi Oonsy ,

I noticed your post hasn't had any replies so I've changed the title to be more specific to Radiation Proctitis medications.

I am aware that some people are prescribed Sucralfate Enemas to treat Radiation Proctitis if this is something that has been discussed/prescribed to you.

[NenaL]

Hi Oonsy,

I also suffer from radiation proctitis. It started in August 2021, 10 months after the radiation ended. At the beginning, there was no heavy bleeding, I thought it was hemorrhoids, but after a month, the bleeding intensified with the stool, and there was bleeding between the stools, with clots. Also, the feces has changed volume, it is thin.

I was given metronidazole on several occasions, in combination with corticosteroids and mesalazine suppositories. The bleeding decreased, but did not stop completely, which is still an obstacle for colonoscopy. Occasionally (like tonight) there is a little heavier bleeding with stool. Now I use cicatridine suppositories in the morning and mesalazine suppositories in the evening. Sulcarfat has not been registered in our country (Serbia), so even though I got the powder from Italy, the doctor will not prescribe it to me. However, in our country, it is not possible to treat with formalin, hyperbaric chamber, or coagulation with argon plasma.

Did you go for a colonoscopy to see how much damage there was?

[Zezes-nan]

Hi

I've had Radiation proctis since 1999 but was only diagnosed about 4 years ago, along with ulcerative colitis and diverticlus I was prescribed Mesalazine suppositories. If I get painful spasms I take paracetamol or codamol. For a really bad flare I have been prescribed co-amoxiclav.

[Eric42]

I had 5 plasma coagulation treatments over 2 years which reduced bleeding intensity in stages but still left me with bleeds every few days I was given a formalin wash and almost immediately bleeding stopped apart from odd spots I’m fine after 6 months.

[AlfredSaxon]

Hi Oonsy

I had radiation proctitis caused by radiotherapy targeted at the bed of the prostate. The symptom was passing blood when emptying the bowels and increased wind. Over a period of 4 years it has virtually cleared itself. I was prescribed( as a result of private consultation) a steroid based liquid that had to be pumped into the bowel--a messy and unpleasant procedure--it did not work. As stated the problem has healed itself. Another respondent mentioned Hyperbaric Chamber Treatment, this is breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber, the theory is that it aids healing of damaged tissue and nerves. I am having this treatment, sometimes referred to as HBOT, for radiation cystitis ( blood in the urine) Its worth trying, the chamber is noisy when being pressurised and ears may pop but otherwise no problem. The problem is finding a centre that offers this treatment, The multiple sclerosis society (MS) operate a few centres so a search on the internet is worth a try, I believe it is available privately but I guess at the usual exorbitant rates for private medical procedures. I've just had a thought, I get HBOT at The Brightwell in Bristol, they may be able to advise you of a facility in your location, contact details-- [e-mail]--tele 01454628737. Good luck