Question re: inability to sleep after brachytherapy

call your doctor. That's not something that should be happening. There are things the doc can do for him. The real danger is if he isn't urinating and is retaining urine. That can lead to bad things.

I wouldn't do a sleeping pill without talking to the doc.

Andrew

Hello and welcome. Frequency and urgency are common side effects and should dissipate over time especially if he stays away from caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods. As Andrew said, the real issue is with retention.

I expect he will sleep much better tonight. But, I agree with the others...call the RO this morning and describe the symptoms. He will likely suggest something to help him sleep but, not knowing what other drugs hubby takes, it's best to get the doc's opinion.

Jim

Thank you so much for your words. When I looked here I actually felt that people were reaching out to me to bring me ashore when I was drowning. The feeling of being saved was overwhelming. I am afraid every second but know I need to be positive and calm for Rick, my husband. So thank you from the bottom of my heart for just being there. As you advised, I called his Radiation Nurse this morning and she felt that because we had driven home for 3 and a half hours and he had nothing to drink and then when we got home he tried to drink his daily 8 glasses he may have over-stimulated his bladder. Br 4:30 am this morning he was able to go 45 min to 1 hr. without peeing. But as soon as he started drinking he was back to 15 min to 1/2 hr. He is on Flomax once per day, the nurse said she would check back with me tomorrow morning to see if things had improved, if not she would double the Flomax. She would like him to take 1 extra strength Advil tomorrow in am and one in pm, she thinks that may help with inflammation which may also be causing the urgency. She also said no to the sleeping pill. And yes Andrew there is urine coming out, I asked Rick how much and he said about 1/2 cup each time. Is that good or bad? Again, thank you for your help. I'm glad I found you and you found me.

I had a lot of urgency (and some burning) after my HDR brachytherapy. It subsidized after a week or so. I don't think it's anything to worry about, although you certainly want to be able to treat the symptoms and have your husband get some rest. I think you just mainly need time.

Did he have LDR (seeds) or HDR brachy?

My radiologist increase the Flomax dose several times going off package insert. Going to twice a day on Flomax and time should take care of his problem.

Paul

Thank you.