I had EBRT treatment for prostate cancer 18 months ago. Symptoms are passing soft stool often, inflammation and pain

Looking for information on what meds are available and how effective are they. What is the extent of the treatment period.

[Celticgirl1888]

Hi sorry you are having all this to contend with.

My husband had his prostate removed in august 2018 and then had a biological recurrence with a ruse in his PSA which had been undetectable. He started salvage radiotherapy last year and had 33 sessions the last one being 13 th October 2021.

In March of this year he started having bleeding from the rectum when he had a bowel movement and very frequent soft stools up to 7 times a day. He also suffers pain on urination.

He was diagnosed with bowel pro Titus and radiation cystitis as a direct result of radiotherapy to the prostate bed. He also has a Zoladex implant every three months.

He has tried several medications.

Initially Metronidazole 400 mg tablets three times a day and Sucralfate enemas once a day.

These gave no relief. He was then prescribed Octasa 800 mg 3 times daily fir six weeks with prednisolone tablets I week 40 mg per day, 1 week 30 mg per day, 1 week 20 mg per day, 1 week 15 mg per day 1 week 10 mg per day.

This seemed to help until the prednisone dose reached 15 mg and the effect wore off.

Currently he is controlling the frequent bowels with Imodium when going out and he has been told it’s ok to take this on a long term basis.

He had been offered laser treatment to the bowel however is concerned about side effects and have opted to wait for now and see if there is any improvement over time.

Wishing you all the best and hope things improve for you.

Best wisheS

Jan