Posted 10/27/2017 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hello ALL
This is for my prostate cancer but this aspect involves the gastro part of the preparation. I figured where better to get good info on this topic than this forum.
I have started radiation therapy for my pc. At a major highly regarded hospital.
The technology is cutting edge.....the Dr. is superb at looking at the big picture...
But getting through it has been a nightmare so far. Each nurse has slightly different advice when I call with an issue, which is confusing and could be potentially dangerous.
The problem I am having is GAS in the area that they are aiming the radiation at. They had to stop my treatment because you can't do it with any gas bubbles in the area.
First of all they really don't stress a low fiber non gassy diet nearly enough....
and the protocol does not seem to be working...in fact its creating to much gas to proceed. I am totally amazed that they often get backed up with patients because so many of them have too much gas to continue. So they have patients waiting and waiting for time on this very expensive machine yet they don't adjust a protocol which is not logical and wastes everyone's time money....and who needs the extra stress at this sensitive time.
So perhaps there is someone out there who can suggest how to tweak they're protocol so that I can be treated and survive somewhat intact.
protocol: 2 gasex 125 mg at night and in the morning
(people in radiology ask? Why are you taking the gasex early in the morning when your procedure is late afternoon. Some of the nurses suggested that, others say "just follow the protocol and you will be fine" NOT!!!!!
First thing in the morning take a heaping teaspoon of Metamucil (the expert guy at my healthfood store says that whole husk Psyllium is less gassy) I would take it at night but I get home around 6 or 7 and cannot drink all the water needed...plus I can't be up all night urinating because I have trouble starting a stream at night and can't be up all night going to the bathroom. I am already having bad urinary side effects and peeing really hurts (just started that stuff that makes your urine orange but takes away the pain) Yet I can't see how taking it in the morning won't make you more gassy for the procedure.
Then comes the worst part:
Then take a fleet enema 3 hours before the procedure.
(First of all...the enema tares my stomach to shreds) and I think that is the major cause of the gas. I think taking the enema on an empty stomach after earlier taking Psyllium fiber is just making things worse. I've read its better to take it on an empty stomach....so an empty stomach with just fiber powder seems to not make sense to me.
They insist I have the enema (and I know many tolerate it very well) but not I.
They will not do the procedure without the enema. So my only food of the day would be after the enema and before leaving which dosen't leave much time as with my system the enema has me going to the bathroom for hours. And then cramps and my stomach is in knots. So going in for the procedure around 4 that usually ends up being more like 6 pm with very little food in me...except for a fleet enema and a dose of fiber powder. With the stress and little food after the enema I get majorly gassed out. And that is with eating a low fiber non gassy diet.
I have to do the enema at 10:00 Am or 11:00 AM
Hopefully someone can suggest a way to tweak things so I have little or no gas and can have the procedure done and get myself cured.
I know many on this forum use the enema all the time...but for me it is a battle.
I would greatly appreciate any input.
Thanks and wish me luck. It looks like I will need it.