Two year post treatment PSA

Ed,

I don't know how they could say the bleeding is caused by the seeds as opposed to the IGRT unless there is something very specific about the location. Mine covers from just above the suture line to the entry to the bladder.

The doc said that the path was, if it worsened noticably, was first to cauterize with a laser, but he does not want to do that because of the additional tissue damage, which he explained would worsen my present incontinence issues.

The bariatric chamber is a possible step, but he said he has only seen marginal improvements when compared to the cost and time required. My insurance has refused that treatment so far. We did try to get it authorized just to see what would happen.

It seems that the best way to handle it is simply lots of water to

keep the bladder flushed and clean (which reduces the irritation of the burned tissue). I explained that I was taking cranberry extract (it's on my chart). He said it would not hurt anything, and might help avoid infections.

The final agreement on treatment was to watch it, and if I had more problems, to call and we would meet at the ER where he is on staff.

I did up my overall water intake a bit, and if I see signs of dark urine, I jack it up some more. It has been almost a month since I've thrown a clot, but I do often see my urine with a gunmetal gray tinge, which is a sign of slow bleeding, I'm told. The droplets after a BM continue, but not so frequently.

I believe that it is improving, but as it started on New Year's Day, the fear factor has worn off. I'll have news Friday after my next visit.

Ed,

Radiation Cystitis

It isn't caught, it is the result of burns from the radiation that was just too close to the urethra. Some spots of tissue in the urethra were killed, and as the tissue dies off, literally holes develop. I was warned that it was a very real possibility.

The example I was given was a sore that becomes an open wound, then slowly heals as the tissue around it fills back it. The sore is where radiation killed off the dna, and the tissue breaks down over the next months / years. That is why he doesn't want to do the laser cauterization - that scar tissue will remain forever, where if there is by chance healing, the tissue will be at least somewhat pliable, instead of a lump of scar tissue. We all know what scar tissue in the urethra can lead to. The other S word - strictures. That is why some use the pressure chambers - getting oxygen into the tissue and promoting real healing is better than just sealing it over.

I'll advise if I have any breakthrough. I don't post much about my own issues except in responses, but I'll follow up on this. It is one of those parts of "Radiation, the gift that keeps on giving".

 

142 -- the way you describe things scares the hell out of me !

Greg -- how long have you been having symptoms?  have you seen any improvement?

ed 

Ed,

Like response from my uro last week - the bleeding is getting less frequent and less severe. He said it may likely continue, but become less frequent. I hand him a calendar with dates and details, but he isn't too concerned.

And as always, am waiting for my PSA.

 

no blood today so far .

ed

142 -- when the bleeding stops do you still have frequency and burning issues?

frequency and burning started 2-3 weeks before i saw the first blood.  today i've seen no blood but i still have frequency and a bit of burning.  i should add that even before PC i've always have had some degree of urgency.  regular for me is getting up twice a night.  last night i got up four times.

ed