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SRT Bladder level

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Posted 1/31/2017 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
I've started SRT and was told I can't be "too full" on the bladder level. The goal is to move the bladder up and out of the way of the zapper and while there is a minimum amount to do this there was no max other than wetting myself during the 10 minutes laying there.

Is this true? I always thought the idea was to match the planning CT level. In fact I think one post here said the tech's had him tap off a few ounces in a cup because he was too full for the treatment.

I was also surprised I didn't need to disrobe. Just pull the pants down and shirt up out of the way. Not a complaint but just not my understanding of the process going in. 2 down 23 to go.
Posted 1/31/2017 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
It's tricky getting the bladder level correct. Most treatment sessions start with a CT. The tech should be able to tell if the bladder is in the wrong position.

Each center has a different protocol on dress. Mine had me take pants off and put on a gown. All that really matters is that there isn't an extra layer of clothing that the beams go through.

Andrew
Posted 1/31/2017 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
I was never told I could be too full. I even used a clamp to avoid any leakage issues on the table. Once I was so full I started squirming and they stopped because I was moving body position and had to drain a bit off. They always started with the CT and the center I went to also used gowns, shirt on, pants and underwear off. You will be surprised how fast it goes. Best of luck to you.
Posted 1/31/2017 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the feedback and encouraging words. At this point it seems like it will be "forever" but I'm hoping you are right and it will be over before I know it.

I'm just starting so I hope I will get the hang of it soon. The first one they took me in at exactly my appointment time and bladder was "perfect". Second one they took me in 10 min early and I was on the "low side" but still acceptable even though I consumed the same amount of water.

I'm OK on the continence so the 3rd one I will error on the high side, drink more sooner. They were also big on saying don't do it but having at least one leak on the table during the 25 treatments is not uncommon.

Again. my expectation differed from what actually happens. The CT and doc's verification of it is about 7 or 8 minutes. The actual zap is only a minute or so.

Oh, and BTW Lupron sucks. Ok I guess I'm done venting too. Thanks again.
Posted 1/31/2017 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
I was told consistency was important and the fuller the better. A trick I recommend is to have a portable urinal with you that you can use afterwards to measure urine volume and sort of calibrate that with you sense of fullness. I drank the same amount of decaf coffee at the same time, the same amount of water at the same time etc and was very consistent between 700 - 800 ml urine. Occasionally I had to let some off because I was too full but in time I was able to stay fairly constant. The techs was surprised at my consistency and at the end I told them my approach with the urinal.
Posted 1/31/2017 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
My Bladder was everything from bursting full to near empty and they were always willing to fire away... They seemed more concerned with me having my colon/rectum empty and with no gas. Gas was a show stopper.
Posted 1/31/2017 7:45 PM (GMT 0)
I never had to disrobe. I just pulled the waist of my pants down enough to reveal the tattoos. The tech should not proceed if the bladder isn't lifted away, or if the rectum is distended.
Posted 1/31/2017 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
During my SRT I was told everything should pretty much match the CT planning and pull my pants down to show my tattoos.

Bobby Mac
Posted 1/31/2017 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
I never "needed" to disrobe. They only wanted to ensure that I was not wearing anything containing any metal anywhere near the treatment area. No gowns. I just wore an old pair of sweat pants over boxers and all was fine. I just stopped in the "gowning" room after treatment and changed into other pants for work. Just like Clark Kent. . .
Posted 1/31/2017 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like the preparation procedures vary somewhat by location. Must be the posts I had read had me thinking one way and in reality it's another.

My experience was this - Laid on the table, they hold a small white towel over me as I slide down my sweat pants and pull up my shirt. Line up my tattoos, a little nudging here and there (odd feeling), cover the area with that white towel and they leave. Could feel the machine make some table adjustments after the CT scan. Then the whirring sound of the accelerator and zooming around me at a pretty good clip.

The towel is a nice modesty touch but not really needed after what the uro's do to you. I am at a teaching hospital too so it was often times more than one finger did the deed followed by discussion of what was felt. When I said to the RT techs I don't really need the towel, they chuckled and said the towel was for them, not me. wink
Posted 1/31/2017 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
I was told to have a full bladder. I would drink 16 oz bottle of water around 40 minutes before the procedure. I never had a problem. The radiation techs will make adjustments based on the cone beam CT scan taken prior to each treatment.

As for dress, I would drop my pants and drawers while the radiation tech holds a vanity towel in front of my privates.
Posted 2/1/2017 2:11 PM (GMT 0)
Posts like this make me realise how loing ago my SRT was. (2010)
With me it was very much about having things the same everyday, and thus also the same as they were during the original set-up CT scan.

Always stuck to the same routine regarding food and fluid intake for the WHOLE day during the seven weeks as far as possible.

My bladder always felt more or less the same, and I never quite leaked. There was a bathroom opposite the treatment room and I had to use it every time immediate afterwards, and I was pleased to get the impression that I produced the same volume of urine every time.

Had to go into a changing room and undress below the waist, then walk to treatment room with a towel around me. Never had any problem about having to be naked in front of the nurses.

Hope it all goes well

Alf
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