Post Radiation Proctitis

neilm

I am hoping for some good feedback for those of you who had challenges recovering from RT. I had a very easy treatment with a Proton 28 fraction schedule. Typical improvement of limited symptoms until my second month, then I started to have some diarrhea once a week or so. Condition has not improved and maybe gotten a little worse now. I am now post treatment month three. Working with diet but my concern is that the chronic definition begins after the three month mark and I am there. Has anyone out there had improvement beyond the three month period from treatment. My RO says to just wait it out. I am concerned that perhaps I am at a point where natural recovery is limited if this is chronic Proctitis.

swl1956

Can't help with you query, but I'm on my 31st of 40 IMRT sessions. No real bothersome rectal issues yet, but it has somewhat affected my regularity and have been discharging some gelatin like mucus. I'm wondering if you had any such experience progressing through your Proton treatments. My RO says this is normal and should clear up a few weeks after cessation of the radiation treatments. I've also been experiencing some bladder issues. Have to pee about 5 times per night and have periods of extreme urgency especially when I am drinking required water prior to treatments. Anyhow, hope your Proctitis is a temporary condition.

Oldernow

hi @neilm

I developed chronic radiation proctitis a few months following radiation. I was having blood and mucus in my stool. My PCP recommended a gastroenterologist who performed a colonoscopy and determined that I did indeed have damage to the wall of the rectum closest to the prostate. He recommended mesalamine suppositories to be used each night at bedtime. I used them for a couple of months and got some relief. A relative had the same issue and recommended taking a big dose of Metamucil every day. Since starting the Metamucil I have had very few signs of blood and mucus plus it really regulates your bowel movements.

I'm very thankful to the relative that made the suggestion.

@Oldernow

neilm

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1722284#Comment_1722284

Thanks SWL 1956. I actually had almost no symptoms during treatment, some urinary restriction / burning but Flowmax managed that well. No problems with bowls at all during treatment.

neilm

Thanks Oldernow. You sound like you are in a similar situation. I am taking a light dose of Metamucil, maybe I will bump that a bit. Do you think the Mesalamine made any permanent improvements or did it just help symptoms at that time?

Oldernow

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1722287#Comment_1722287

You're welcome -

Mesalamine helped symptoms for a while. Quit using when I found better results with the Metamucil. Mesalamine is also expensive. My Medicare Advantage plan left mw with a $70 copay for each prescription.

I take a huge heaping tablespoon of Metamucil in a 16 ounce tumbler of water at about 1:30pm each day. Next morning first thing great effortless movement - sometimes two - lol. No sign of blood or mucus 👍

neilm

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1722288#Comment_1722288

I will post back on this thread in awhile and let you know how it goes. Last question , have you seen any healing in the condition? I am thinking this will likely be something I have to live with for a while or forever as it does not appear to heal.

Enjoy the day!

Oldernow

@neilm

I found this information when I was researching -

Chronic radiation proctitis doesn't always fully heal, and the prognosis can vary. While acute radiation proctitis often resolves on its own after treatment, chronic radiation proctitis may persist for months or even years, leading to ongoing symptoms. However, with proper management and treatment, many individuals can experience significant symptom relief and improve their quality of life. 

Hope that helps…

@Oldernow