Proctitis from Radiation

I had 27 sessions of IMRT in 2019 for prostate cancer. Even though I had the SpaceOAR procedure, I believe I have some rectal damage. Every now and then when I wipe after a bowel movement, there will be a bit of raw blood. I did have hemorrhoid surgery in 2008 but didn't see any blood through the years up until the radiation. Articles that I have read indicate that it could take several years after radiation for symptoms to appear. I can say that since the radiation, when I need to have a bowel movement, I have have to move fast to the restroom because it has become hard to control my sphincter. I'm curious to hear from other men who have experienced similar experiences.

[Tall_Allen]

SpaceOAR is oversold- it does less than you imagine. Radiation proctitis will cause internal hemorrhoids to enlarge and bleed. It goes away. Don't strain. Use a stool softener. You can get a scrip for Anusol with cortisone if it continues. Never trust a fart for the next month.

It is not true that brand new symptoms arise years later - the symptoms almost always appeared originally too. "Late-term" symptoms can happen. I had a repeat of urinary symptoms a year later. Again, it was temporary. Late term rectal symptoms are rare (about 2% of men)

[Pokerplayer]

Dr exam can tell can go away fast or can linger around for year or two or more don’t worry doesn’t help makes worse I’ve tried almost everything for it sometimes seems to get better eat plenty of fiber Kellogg’s Albran buds benefiber Get u iron and b12 and cbc test to get base of your blood work

[cancerfox]

You aren't alone, for what it's worth. I had 25 IMRT sessions (no SpaceOAR) followed almost immediately by LDBrachy in May of 2021, and I still have bladder and bowel issues a year and a half later. I have loose stools, have to pee twice as often as I used to, and like you when I have to go I can't procrastinate because I don't feel like I have complete control of my bladder or bowel functions. My urologist says that radiation effects can take up to a couple years to resolve, so I'm hoping this is temporary. If not, I guess I'm on a short bathroom leash long term. 🦊

[maley2711 in reply to cancerfox]

Yes, the downside of brachy boost is increased probability of those problems, especially urinary I believe..your RO warned you ? Of course, could also experience these things with only IMRT...just less probability.

[cancerfox]

Not sure if I was warned about the increased likelihood of bladder and bowel issues because of LDBrachy by my radiation oncologist or not now. He listed so many negatives about prostate cancer treatments during my 30 minute gloom and doom talk with him that I can't remember all the details. They are listed on numerous websites however. 🦊