Prostate radiation after-effects

Well, just about five months ago my prostate cancer treatment (radiation) concluded, leaving one hormone treatment left. I certainly suffered the predictable effects; I could hardly sit down, had to stop the car a couple of times when driving, the rectal pain was burning and not very nice. Otherwise, I was good, and continued with life as normal. Considered myself lucky. :) Signs were very good, save for some 'urgency' with stools and urination. It eased. Some weeks ago I had a bloated stomach and diarrhoea all of a sudden and put it down to something I'd eaten. It passed, but left me with what appear to be IBS symptoms - I've had that before - but could be late after-effects of radiation; wind, a light trickle of mucous, uncertainty as to passing wind or slight mucous. That sort of thing. It's all apparently gone south, so to speak. Anyone else had this or anything like it?

  • Hi Fred

    Not the same cancer being a lady but radiation to the same area.  I can fully sympathise with your symptoms I had my last Radiotherapy in May 2015 and still have days when I need to rush to the loo.  I find that some of the time it can be related to what I have eaten as I have reduced tolerances to some foods.  Fruit is a no no, other foods I have to be careful with - cooked cheese or too much cheese, beans and spicy food also too much coffee.  I havent given these foods up just know that if I want Chili then I have to avoid the other foods the next day.

    I carried my diarrhoea tablets with me for 12 months and still take them on holiday, fortunatly not had to use them.

    We went out for a carvery last week and the day after my stomach was terrible all day.  Hubby had the same food and he was ok so i just put it down to radioitis (as I call it).  If you are worried have a word with your oncologist on your next visit especially about the burning sensation.

  • Thanks for your reply. The 'burning' healed up and passed in a few weeks, as it turned out, but it was bad while it lasted. I have a feeling I'm going to have to get used to some of these other symptoms being around.:(  At least from what I read.

  • Hi Fred,

    I had radiotherapy for prostate cancer about six and a half years ago. I have suffered "Rear End" problems with Diarrhoea on and off ever since. It is getting less of a problem but fully sympathize with what you say. The way I have tended to look at it is, its a small price to pay for the great result I had

    It does get better with time, Brian.

  • I can't argue there! I had understood that there might be such niggles, but as I said, had thought I'd sailed through 'em. Not so. To be expected, I suppose. Many thanks for your reply.