Radiation induced atherosclerosis?

[Gtuva]

Just found out radiation can introduce atherosclerosis so now I have another problem to confront. I have historically low total cholesterol and LDL levels so no concerns but after a CT and ultrasonic for subacute obstruction I learned I had moderate to severe abdominal aortic atherosclerosis. Anybody else dealt with this problem? I’m more scared of this than my 30 years of on-going bowel problems.

[Blue_Hawaii]

Hi Gtuva

Sorry that you have this, with everything else

I’ve not had to deal with this problem

Sending lots of hugs 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗✖️

[Belkay]

Hello there, I am sending my empathy. I had radiation to my pelvis 42 yrs. ago. About 7 yrs. ago, I went to 2 pain specialists and was treated with injections and pain killers, 1 orthopedist who said my back was a mess and spent hours and $$$ on physical therapy. It took three years of suffering (including having to use a wheelchair in the airport) before a doctor offered to take the blood pressure in my leg. There was only 26% pressure in my right leg, that's when my primary care doctor said she was embarrassed and sorry. I felt vindicated and also dumbstruck. I now have a stent in my iliac artery and a nice relationship with a vascular surgeon who also needed to be educated about radiation induced peripheral artery disease. It is so frustrating. I will say that daily walking is the only treatment (other than some meds which I can't take because of the GI effects) that works. I use walking poles and am able to walk about 20 min. before claudication kicks in. I rest and set out again for another 10-15 min. I might add that this is also an "invisible" disability in the sense that I look youthful and vibrant at 70 yrs. but can't walk long distances without the poles or drive without taking frequent stretch breaks.

Still saying no to a colostomy but my time is running out -I have a radiation induced stricture that cannot be dilated or stretched. It all sucks, but then again, I have had a happy quality of life for most of the 42 yrs. Though, I really, really hate surprises - especially those health ones that you hope your doctors would be on top of.

My best advice, get a great vascular doctor and walk every day that you are able.

Stay strong.

[Sheebz in reply to Belkay]

Thanks for sharing . Like you I had Radiotherapy to the pelvis and internal to vaginal area . I also have back pain and problems walking and have been told I have calcification of the spine . I have never been advised that it radiation damage even though I have many other long term conditions including a blocked ureter causing severe kidney damage . I will now be able to share your information THANK YOU

[Bluebell86]

Hi there,

I’m very sorry to learn that such a side effect exists, the list from radiotherapy seems endless & have never heard of this link before. Overtime more patients are experiencing long term effects and I’m sure there are many that are undiagnosed or the link between radio and other illnesses are not made depending on the awareness of doctors. Let’s hope that improves.

I really hope you are managed and cared for by a knowledgable specialist & get the care you deserve. Best of luck finding answers to your question. Hopefully someone out there is able to do that for you.

Best wishes.

[JDKPA]

Yes, these unpleasant "surprises" are certainly unwelcome. I have walking problems but not for your reason, and can walk about 1/10 of a mile without resting, even using a rollator. It's just awful.

My latest surprise was finding out that the chemotherapy drug used for me is thought to cause hearing loss and sometimes tinnitus. Oh, the joy (NOT!) I get hearing aids Friday, so I guess this is true.

Best of luck to you and thanks for your advice.