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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Rectal Bleeding after Brachytherapy

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Posted 9/4/2009 1:18 AM (GMT 0)
VIEW IMAGEPosted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:31 pm    Post subject: Brachytherapy Side Effects VIEW IMAGE VIEW IMAGE VIEW IMAGE

          Hi All,

Here is a post that I placed in another prostate cancer forum: 

Well. There ARE serious side effects from brachytherapy! At least for me. I have had intermittent rectal bleeding - usually with the first BM and mostly with a hard stool. So far, 5 incidents - 2 in July, 2 in August, and one today 3 Sept. I've resolved to religiously take Metamucil EVERY day no matter what since that seems to prevent the bleeding. I am very fortunate not to have much discomfort and not much bleeding either - mostly on the toilet paper - have passed 2 or 3 small blood clots.

Now comes the interesting part. My rad onc referred me to a hyperbaric oxygen facility at the Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie, Md. I have had 4 two hour treatments at 2.5 times atmospheric pressure. Getting somewhat used to them although I'm claustrophobic - listening to CD's during the two hours. The staff is wonderful! I'm not looking forward to an additional 36 or more sessions. But I sure prefer that to the alternative - never healing.

The good part is that the procedure increases the amount of oxygen in the blood that circulates throughout the body and is thought to promote healing of wounds inside the rectum. The down side is that it may take 40 or more treatments to bring about healing.

For those of you who experience rectal bleeding as a result of brachytherapy, there is a long account by a man named Bob Wall detailing how he dealt with his bleeding. It is much too long to post here. I will see if I can get a URL to post - subject to moderator deletion or modification.

I know this is a long post, but I wanted to give others with my side effects something positive to look forward to.

Hugs and Prayers to All of You.
Gene in Md

Posted 9/4/2009 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Gene send the link...

Tony
Posted 9/7/2009 12:30 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Tony,

Here is the link if I copied it correctly:

Let me know if there is a problem.

www.phoenix5.org/Basics/.../rectalbleedWall1230.html

Gene

Posted 9/7/2009 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
Tony,

The previous link did not work.  I hope this one does.

http://www.phoenix5.org/Basics/treatsides/rectalbleedWall1230.html

 

Posted 9/8/2009 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hopeful,

I, too, have experienced Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Mine was due to a rectal fistula that occurred during my salvage prostatectomy in March 2008. I did 40 two hour sessions and after 20 sessions my colorectal surgeon said that the fistula had been reduced to almost 50% of the original size.

On a lighter side, my barber wanted to know what I was using because he saw new hair growth in my "thin" spot.

Take care,

Wigs
Posted 9/10/2009 1:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Wigs,

Thank you for your info.  I prev had 2 hemorrhoidectomies, and 1 fistulectomy many years ago.  I wonder if the hyperbaric treatment  would have helped the fistula.  And, are you saying that the oxygen promotes hair growth?  Wow!  I'm getting more hair on my legs - my bald pate hasn't done much that I can see.  Anyway, sigmoid exam tomorrow - Thurs 9/10/2009 my wife's and my wedding anniversary.  How sweet smilewinkgrin huh?  Hope to find out just what my condition is inside.  Finished my 7th chamber treatment today - only 13 or 33 or more to go.  I'm claustrophobic - maybe I'll get used to it by the time I'm done.

Gene in Md

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