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Posted 11/26/2016 5:36 AM (GMT 0)
It's been a little over two weeks since my BT treatment (IMRT to follow) and I have had gradually increasing difficulty urinating, to the point where when I get up at night, it takes several seconds to get started, comes out initially only in drops, then a weak stream or spray. I'm getting concerned especially with the upcoming IMRT which I'm guessing will only make it worse. Is this something that will get better on its own or do I need medical attention?

CK
Posted 11/26/2016 7:03 AM (GMT 0)
CK, I don't want to be alarmist, but I would be seeking medical attention as soon as possible.

I don't know what the expected SE's from BT are, but I doubt this is normal. It may only be an infection, but the last thing you want is complete retention. If that happens, ie you can't start the flow at all, then get to an emergency room as quickly as you can.

The average bladder holds around 500 to 600 mls and you get the urge to pee at around 300mls. The bladder is pretty elastic and can stretch to hold up to 1 litre, but by then you will be screaming in agony. I know, I have been there and it was the worst pain of my life.

However, back to earth. It is usually prety simple to catheterise a blocked urethra, you just don't want it to get to that stage.

If the flow continues to be slow or gets harder to start, then get it seen to before it becomes a real problem.

Good luck

Chas
Posted 11/26/2016 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
I was told the possibility of a stricture after brachy was more of a long-term SE, not a short-term one. If I had to guess (and I AM guessing) after two weeks it's more a matter of short-term inflammation from the radiation. Are you taking Flomax or any kind of similar medication? I needed to do so for quite some time (six months?) after my brachy.

That said, I'd certainly check in with your RO on this and get his take. My RO did tell to go to the ER if I couldn't pee and even gave me a note telling ER that I had brachy, but I was not radioactive and they didn't need to take any pre-cautions in treating me. (I had HDR brachy, not seeds.)

FYI, I'm now almost four years out from my brachy/IMRT combo and I'd have to say that I only pee at about 70% efficiency compared to pre-treatment. But if I take a Flomax, I'm back to normal. That said, I rarely do so since I'm okay with the 70% efficiency and sometimes the Flomax can make me light headed. I don't have any other SEs at this point.
Posted 11/26/2016 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your responses. Quick update - yes I am on Flomax, been on it about a month now. I called my uro's office and got a prescription for cipro, which I am assuming is to rule out a UTI. But after I got back, an odd thing happened. After my last bathroom break, I noticed something in the bowl. It turns out I threw a seed. This is now 16 days past BT! I'm wondering if a seed had broken loose before and got lodged in the urethra causing the problem. We'll see I guess.
Posted 11/26/2016 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
CK: Am I wrong in assuming that all BT procedures now utilize stranded seeds? That said, I would not hesitate letting your RO know about the exited seed.
Posted 11/27/2016 4:24 AM (GMT 0)
I'm planning to let my RO know first thing Monday. Following that will be to set up an appointment with my uro. I did speak to two BT experts during my consultations - neither uses stranded seeds. I asked about that, and the impression I got was that single seeds can be placed more accurately for the most optimal results, less chance for cold spots.

CK
Posted 11/27/2016 2:01 PM (GMT 0)
"Threw" a seed. No wonder the urethra was irritated..nothing like having the radioactive source IN the urethra Geez. Placement indeed.
Posted Yesterday 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
wow....is this something new ? I`m asking all the old timers on this forum if they have heard of throwing a seed ?? I`m pretty new around here , but this is the only time I`ve heard of this happening. Like the Sheepguy said ...Geez ....I`m feeling for you CK .....good luck
Posted Yesterday 10:00 PM (GMT 0)
Having a seed come out is a risk of BT. It could have also been a large clot. It happens, not sure how common it is though.

Andrew
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