Caution: regarding medical procedure to insert a gel to protect organs while undergoing radiation

[Willie51]

I’m 73 and I recently had this procedure done and it seems to be working well. But a word of caution. I’ve had some severe back problems where 3 vertebra are pinching nerves for several years. Typically the pain is sporadic and only a 3-4 out of 10. I have in the past had a couple very painful bouts of sciatica where the pain was a 9+ but only lasting a day. I manage it well with exercise and PT regularly . But in this procedure I was put to sleep and unaware of what was being done. They insert a needle through the perineum . I firmly believe that while I was under the surgeon and team manipulated my body to the position needed and perhaps not too gently. The result was the next day I immediately began a terrifying bout of sciatica that was nonstop 10+ pain, worst experience of my life. Painkillers did no good. I saw my PT right away and frequently and did bed rest and finally after 8 days it started to go away. Believe me no one wants to live like that. My advice talk to the doctors./ nurses before hand and ask for caution during the process!

[LiveLongAndPropser]

That sounds awful! So sorry to hear about your experience. Low back pain can definitely be debilitating. I had SpaceOAR and recommend it. I'm 9 months post raising with no bowel issues. However, I had local anesthetic done. It wasn't awful, just awkward. It went quickly and I would recommend that to anyone considering it.