A 4 Year Journey

[lockerroombuddy]

I had a Prostatectomy in July 2020. My PSA was a 5.0 and my Gleason was 3+4. Cancer did not penetrate outer wall of gland. Decipher score was 64. Did Kegels and PT for incontinence....nothing helped and today still very much incontinent. In May 2022 my PSA began to steadily rise from undetectable for past 2 years, to 0.10 over a 2 month time period. Had 20 sessions of radiation to the prostate bed (aka-fossa) without ADT in August/September 2022 . My PSA was again undetectable until May 2023, when it rose to 0.19. Had 5 sessions of radiation in June 2023 in addition to 6 months of oral Orgovyx, that ended in November 2023. Shortly into 2024 I began intermittent rectal bleeding. Had a Colonoscopy and an Endoscopy to rule out any other causes for this bleeding and to identify causes for my abnormal low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Results indicate rectal bleeding is due to effects of radiation treatments. In June 2024 began urinary bleeding intermittently. Had an Emergency Room visit in July 2024 as I could not pass any urine....catheter inserted.....heavy bleeding for 2 days ...... catheter removed on 3rd day. Intermittent bleeding continues at this time and a recent Cystoscopy ruled out all other causes for the bleeding other than the effects of radiation treatment. Urologist suggested the damage caused by radiation may be treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments. It entails 40 treatments over 5 days per week for 8 weeks. Each session last about 2 hours. I'd love to hear from anyone who has had radiation treatments that caused rectal and/or urinary bleeding and if anyone has undergone Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments (HBOT)to address these issues. My latest PSA is undetectable, but my incontinence is a major problem, as is my lack of erections. Have been prescribed TriMix but have only had one injection at the doctor's office. I did have an erection and I must admit it was wonderful to experience it again. This however took place several days before the urinary bleeding began. I have not given myself the injection to my penis because of the current bleeding that drips from the tip after urinating. I'm concerned that masturbating will only aggravate the urethral damage the radiation caused to the bladder and urethra. I have considered surgery for Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS) to resolve my incontinence but have been advised not to undergo that surgery before having HBOT. I'd really love to hear from anyone who has experienced any of the above issues.