Brachytherapy and blocked urethra

[Scorpio53]

Had brachytherapy two weeks ago. Was told everything went fine. Over next three days urinination became progressively more difficult and eventually had to go to ER (weekend) to get catheter inserted. Was told that this might happen but that after a period on catheter all should be fine. 10 days later had catheter removed. Within 4 hours urination again became difficult (along with pain) and eventually became impossible. Had to go back and have the catheter reinserted. Not sure what's up.

Was supposed to start EBRT this week but that's been postponed by a week. Am worried that when the catheter is removed again, I'll run into same problem. Anyone else have this problem? Solutions? Advice?

[Tall_Allen]

Would a Medrol Dose Pack relieve inflammation? Do you know what the seeds were - I131 or Pd103?

[Scorpio53 in reply to Tall_Allen]

I haven't tried any solution outside of doctor suggested ibuprofen. Will be speaking to RO PA today and will ask about Medrol. Thank you.

Not sure what seeds were used but it was an 18 seed HDR treatment for a Gleason 7 (4+3) tumor.

[Tall_Allen in reply to Scorpio53]

HDR doesn't use seeds, it uses catheters that are removed.

[Scorpio53 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Right sorry. The RO said they were 'seeds' that were delivered by catheter and then removed.

[Scorpio53 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Right sorry. The RO said they were 'seeds' that were delivered by catheter and then removed.

[CarverD]

I had a very similar experience after my HDRB treatment although we never needed to re-catheter. Phenazopyridine (turns your pee bright orange) and 5mg Cialis took care of the issue. 3 years later I'm still taking the 5mg Cialis for stream issues. I might be able to stop taking the Cialis but it has other nice benefits for a 66 year old

[Scorpio53 in reply to CarverD]

Thank you. Will check with MO. Have been taking 1 x Finesteride (5mg) and 2 x Tamsulosin (.4mg) daily for the last three years. Maybe adding in Phenazopyridine and Cialis may help.

[SkiBum869]

Had LDR 1.5 yrs ago with moderate retention post but didn’t have to be re-cathed. Phenazopyridine, alternating acetaminophen and motrin for pain, and tamsulosin dose pushed up to 2x/day instead of original rx of once/day got me through but also ran into a UTI at 30 days out requiring steroid pack and antibiotics. Sitting down to pee also seemed to line things up a little better to initiate and keep consistent flow going. Hope you get some relief.

[Scorpio53 in reply to SkiBum869]

The nursing team thought it would be better to re-cath rather than self cath because daily catherization might end up irritating things more. Not sure I could last a day without catherization. The day the catheter was removed, I lasted about 4 hours before things started to back up and pain started up. I guess somewhere along the line, the urethra just shut down. While struggling to urinate before re-cathing did use the sit down technique. Was able to release a small amount. Thanks.

[lpol83712]

as a backup should it reoccur they can teach you intermittent self catheterization. It’s not fun but it keeps you from having a long time in dwelling catheter and the psychological reassurance of immediate relief is worth it. I was taught at Mayo and used it once at home but knowing it was available was helpful

[Scorpio53 in reply to lpol83712]

May eventually end up going that route but hope to see both urologist and RO next week to hear their game plan. Am getting well-armed by the comments and suggestions so far. Will run them by the team when we meet. Will let oyu know how it goes. Thanks.

[Break60]

I had IMRT and SBRT and I’ve found that damage to my urethra has required me to use a Foley catheter. Even with this I get leakage around the catheter which requires me t wear diapers and pads. Plus I’ve had multiple bouts of UTIs with sepsis which have sent me to the hospital for antibiotics via infusion.

[Scorpio53 in reply to Break60]

Thanks for the info. Will know more in a few days. Am concerned I can't seem to get off the catheter without something happening that blocks the flow. Happened gradually (three days) after HDR brachy, but didn't make it six hours after removal of first catheter.

Any ideas about sorting ot your issues?

[CrackerOcala]

What I understand is that that urinary issue was pretty bad and that it was 3 months ago - how are things now?