Hip problems post pelvic radiotherapy

In July 2013 in was diagnosed with Endometrial stromal sarcoma, I underwent 26 sessions of pelvic radiotherapy followed by two doses of brachytherapy.

soon after finishing the treatment I noticed a tightening around my hips and altered sensations in legs. Over the last few years I have had constant tightness in my hips but I have also experienced several episodes of being unable to move my legs properly, having to think about moving my legs when I’m walking, unable to lift my legs properly and an dull toothache like pain in my legs.

The drs seem unable to give me an answer as to why this is happening, I am sometimes made to feel like I’m making it up- which is very frustrating!

 I am very motivated to improve my fitness, I do Pilates and use an exercise bike but it is always a bit of a struggle.

l wondered if anyone else is experiencing similar problems post pelvic radiotherapy 

  • Hi Fran',

    I had radio to my pelvis for a plasmacytoma, 10 sessions. I've found that I have stiffness in the hip area that can become pain or what I'd expect to be pain, manifesting as stiffness.

    I'd say similar but slightly different motor symptoms as well. I've told the medicos but only as info rather than trying to find out why.

    I have definite peripheral neuropathy in both legs/feet and around the pelvis/lower abdomen, including the genitals.

    I think chemo is at least partly responsible, as well as a long term dodgy back.

     

    Regards

    Taff

  • Hi

    i had a similar series of treatments a year ago, and have had bladder issues since which are being dealt with seperatly. More recently, I have noticed I am stiff in the ankles and hips, my hips make a clicking noise when I go up stairs, my lower back makes a noise when I twist and turn. When I get out of bed or get up from sitting, I am stiff. I didn't have any of these issues before the RT.

    i just found your post and was wondering if you have managed to get any help or how your condition has progressed?

  • Hi,

    I really wish I could tell you that things have been improving but unfortunately not. Both my legs have progressively got worse despite me trying my hardest to improve. I do a rehab Pilates session once a week and I also try and go on the exercise bike as much as I can. My legs feel very achy and heavy and I have to think about moving my legs with every step I take. I sometimes get spidery sensations on my legs, like something is crawling on them. I find that putting a heat pad on my legs can relieve some of the aching. I have found that physio hasn’t been particularly useful,as it makes my legs ache even more! I have been seen by neurologists who think that it is damage from the radiotherapy, but my oncologist refuses to believe that it is. Mhm legs were fine before the treatment, seems too much of a coincidence if it’s not related. 

    I hope you continue to improve 

  • Hi fran I'm afraid i don't remember when it was but some one on forum had radiotherapy on stumack found out later food couldn't pass through stumack was welded up. I'm glad i had cemo. 

    Billy 

  • Hi,

    I was just scrolling through google looking for info on post radiotherapy hip pain and found this thread.

    Its been 3 and a half years since my radiotherapy and chemo, which I had to my pelvis, and only now I am starting to really feel the effects. I’ve had some hip pain which wasn’t persistent but now it seems to have come with a vengeance. The pain is directly aligned with where I had the radio, I know because of the tattoos on my hips.

    I wouldn’t let anyone dismiss the idea of post radio pain, it’s very much a real and recognised thing. I’m going to ask for it to be checked out because I want to be treated correctly, I’ve got enough going on with st 4 bloody cancer without wanting to deal with late side effects too.

    I hope everyone here gets the attention they deserve and some relief from the pain...much love,

    Jo x

  • Hi, 

    I had endometrial cancer 7 years ago treated with 6 weeks of radiotherapy, 5 sessions of cisplatin chemo and 3 brachytherapy followed by a hysterectomy. About 6 months after treatment I developed insufficiency stress fractures along the pelvis. Painful for a while but they healed. My bowels have been struggling since then.

    Last year I had breast cancer and was put on Letrozole. Since then I have been struggling more and more with mobility, hip and leg pain. 2 months ago I was in so much pain and it reminded me of the stress fractures pain I had experienced. An MRI scan showed they had in fact returned. I have been told that some of the pain is due to severe osteoarthritis in the hip but this doesn't add up to me.

     I can identify so much with what you're saying. Pains in the legs, struggling with walking any great distances and particularly standing around. I am so suspicious this is more related to my pelvic radiotherapy than arthritis. I think the Letrozole is to blame for suddenly flaring up these issues. I am concerned, I am only 57 and don't want to end up disabled. I have started using walking poles to help but after a while I am dragging my right leg along.

    Just to make matters worse I have developed Lymphodaema in my breast and looks like Lipodema in my thighs and hip area. Has anyone else experienced this as a result of pelvic radiotherapy? 

    I swim regularly and live an active life but feel this is really beginning to affect my quality of life. Has anyone got any ideas or suggestions. Have you been given treatment / advice to help with late effects of pelvic radiotherapy? I'm supposed to be going away with friends on a long weekend to Europe but I reckon the cost of insurance is going to be too much.

    So many questions...no answers. People think you're all cured and everything is fine after treatment stops, but it just doesn't end

  • Hi

    thanks for responding to my post.

    i am sorry to hear about all of your problems. 

    I had a session with my GP recently to discuss my concerns about the stiffness and weakness in my hips, lack of energy etc. He sent me for a hip X-ray which I haven't yet had the results for, also referred me to the physiotherapist unit at our local cottage hospital. I had my appointment there last week. The Physio showed me a series of exercises to do to try and build up some more strength in the muscles around the hips and lower back, she has also booked me into the hospital gym for a session with an instructor there.

    The hospital where I had my radio therapy and ongoing monitoring referred me to their in house acupuncture department, where I have so far had one session, with more to follow. The Doctor there is treating me to try and improve my energy levels, UTI's, hip and lower back issues, migraines, and hot flushes.

    Maybe you would benefit from some of these treatments?

    Best wishes

    Linda

     

  • Hi Fran,

    I can related to what you're going through. 

    I was treated for endometrial cancer in August of this year.  Since then I have experienced constant nagging ache in the small of my back, in my hips and all down the outside of my legs.  Also a stiffness and lack of mobility in that area.

    I've tried exercise, I've tried resting, nothing helps.

    I would appreciate it if people have found a solution to this problem.

    Kind regards

    Anne F

  • Thanks for responding.  

    I don't usually do social media, but I'll look out for your page!

    Best 

     

    Anne