IMRT Effects- Post One Month

BF is having IBS related symptoms such as intestines irritable, loose stools and stabbing pain behind belly button area.  I feel they are radiation and intense workout related.  He feels that it may be radiation related or worst, abdominal lymphnode invasion even though PET from last month did not indicate uptake in that area.  Can you tell me what your effects were.  Thanks to all!

H&P
Yes I definitely had odd BMs and strange aches and pains in the belly after RT.

I am 4 weeks on and it has got a lot better already.

But for the last month BMs have involved a lot of explosive farts, and a dozen small stools instead of one or two big ones, also there were up to four BMs a day. (My brother-in-law, who had RT about 6 yeras ago, said he felt like he was crapting like a goat.)

My aches and pains around the belly button was partly like a repeat of the ache that I had had after surgery, but it also felt like I could feel every twicth of my gut (peristalsis) as it moved near the area affected by RT. (Sometimes it was the whole area that ached, sometimes it was just one small sudden stabbing pain.

After surgery the solution was to do plenty of walking, so I tried the same after RT, but the complication after RT was that I felt so tired I could often only walk short distances, and slowly.
I also watched what I ate to avoid anything that might have given me belly ache anyway, and despite the complications it caused for my bladder carried on drinking plenty. But I still avoid fizzy drinks.
I also took one or two paracetamol(tylenol) each day which I think helped.

You clearly need to monitor the situation, as things like proctitis can occur.
And have you spoken to the docs about it, becasue there are meds that can help.

Alf

I am about a year post IMRT and still have some isolated bouts with loose stools.  I think it is just a common side effect from the treatment.

Hi Hope, I am really sorry to hear about Peter's IBS. Just to relieve you and him, my dad during and a still after radiation (even though the side effects have been alleviated somewhat) had really bad naseau, diarrhea and urgency to use the bathroom. He did take an anti inflammatory- not sure but I think the name is Naprosyn, I know that it did help him alot. Maybe Peter can ask about it. Please keep us updated. Hope he feels better!

Lynne

142- So sorry that you are so fatigued. I hope you get your energy back!

Alf-Thank you for the information and the laugh! BF describes the feeling as repeat of surgery as well. I guess the RT just made everything raw again even though its 4 weeks out. He was also drinking alot of fruit and veggie drinks first thing in the morning. Too much fiber and juices can irritate as well.

Lynne--Peter just spoke with your Dad. He was very happy to hear he is doing well. He did suggest Naprosyn/Alleve and slow down on fiber. I think it will help.
Thank you all!

Great idea. BF did colonscopy just before surgery in Jan.  I think he should do one again in near future.  Thanks for info.

I had to wait 6 months after my prostatectomy to get a colonoscopy, per my surgeon. Needed to allow the rectal wall to thicken.
Jeff