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Posted 2/20/2013 2:07 PM (GMT 0)
New to Forum:  Five weeks post brachytherapy developed acute urinary retention.  Foley Catheter for a week no help.  On Flomax .4 x 2 day. Dr. said need to self-catheterize 3x/day.  Wondering if anyone else has experienced this symptom, how to cope and results. 

Age:69

PSA 8.1, biopsy 6/12 cores positive, 1 core 40%

Posted 2/20/2013 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome to HW.
So sorry to hear this, how awful for you.
Sorry I don’t know what to suggest as, for my husband, Flomax resolved his urinary issues post Brachy and he didn't suffer any acute retention. Hopefully someone else with experience will chime in with suggestions soon.
When you refer to your Dr, do you mean the Dr who carried out the Brachytherapy implant or just your regular Dr?
Wishing you well!
Susan
xx
Posted 2/20/2013 4:18 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome and sorry to hear that. I'm four weeks post brachytherapy (HDR) and although I don't pee like I used to, it's certainly not as bad as what you're going through.

My urinary problems were at their most acute the two weeks after finishing. Some burning, going more frequently than normal and a very weak stream. I was on Flomax following the procedure, but that didn't seem to help with the weak stream. My oncologist then gave me a prescription for Rapidflo (sp?) and I improved right away. I stopped taking the Rapidflo about a week ago...the stream is a little weaker after that, but acceptable and I prefer not to take a drug unless I really need it.

That's probably too simple for what you're going through...I hope there are some other positive ideas out there for you and please keep us posted on your progress.
Posted 2/20/2013 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
usmjvt,

Welcome to the board. I did not have the issues you are referring to. I took flomax which got me through my pee problems. I still take 0.4mg per day 13 months latter.

Take care,

Dave
Posted 2/20/2013 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
Dear usmjvt:

Welcome to HW. Sorry you have to be here.

What you are experiencing is highly unusual and unfortunate. Very rarely do brachy patients have these post-procedure symptoms; clearly something is very wrong. Perhaps something went wrong with the procedure itself. Have you discussed this with the RO as well as your urologist? I don't want to oversimplify but if self-catheterization is the only advice you are being given I think I would go to a highly experienced urologist for a second opinion...

Jim
Posted 2/20/2013 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all your replies.  Both oncologist and urologist agreee that it retention is rare but they expect it will improve.  Urologist said that there are only 3 options: TURP which can't be done because of seeds, some operation that will make me incontinent and self-cath.  Planning a trip to Caribbean next week so hope it resolves.  Actually seems at least today to be a better flow but nowhere near before.  I'll try to update.  Keep the faith.
Posted 2/21/2013 11:10 AM (GMT 0)
usmjvt, I'm keeping everything crossed that the retention resolves itself very soon and you get to the sunny Caribbean next week.
Hang around and let us know how you go.
Susan
x
Posted 6/19/2013 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
Did you have LDR or HDR? My experience with LDR and Iodine-125 seeds was that as the seeds start getting their "hottest" I noticed slight symptoms - nothing like what you're discussing however. I was on (1) Rapaflo per day and that kept things going if you will. I also did Ibuprofen 2 tabs TID whenever I felt any issues going on as they helped reduce the effects of the prostate swelling from the seeding.

Edited as I just realized this is an older thread.

usmjvt - So how are things going now that it's a couple of month's down the road?  Hopefully resolved?  Did you get on that Caribbean cruise?

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