Urinary Issues Post Brachy/ Radiation

HI All I've talked about this in some prior thread but decided to start a new one .. I'd like to hear from all who have had urinary issues after treatment. Here is my story so far

I had Brachytherapy on Jan 31, I was a Gleason 7 4+ 3 = I was a borderline candidate for the procedure with an enlarged prostate of about 55cc but pushed. I am now almost 12 weeks in ... the 1st 3 weeks were hell I couldn't leave the house as had to pee like every 15-30 min as my prostate was swollen and pushing into my bladder after the catheter was removed I had to be rushed back due to obstruction and had it put back in for a few days its been out not .. for a while I still urinate often about every 1-2 hrs weak stream and low output about 80-100cc but I'm getting used to it . I guess i can deal with this for now it beats the thought of having a catheter.

Phase two Had the SpaceOr and Radiation Beacon but in on Wed , was not fun but over now I'm stressing about the radiation and how this will affect my urinary , functions ... Id like to hear from those who have had similar issues and how you dealt with them and what you did ... so all help would be helpful I'm one of those over thinkers unfortuinielty I did have a PSA 10 weeks pst and went form a 13. to a 3.21 ...

Looking for4ward to hearing from. others

When a prostate is that large, they usually shrink it with hormone therapy before implanting seeds. An alpha blocker (like Flomax or Rapaflo) may provide some relief. Also an anti-inflammatory (like Advil or naproxen). Sometimes there are bladder spasms - for which their are several anti-spasmotics.

Did I understand correctly that you waited 3 months to have the external beam radiation?

Hi guys thanks for your replies, maybe I'm an exception to the rule. anyway , the soreness form the SpaceOr and Beacons is subsiding , and I'm feeling better , i know I'm probably being impatient and expecting a lot. Next week i go in for my HDR simulation and start on the 18th for 25 sessions. my treatment is Brachy/ Boost ....

Can soemone tell me what to expect form the 25 sessions of IMRT would appreciate it thanks again .
for all your support.

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Gleason 4+3 =7 biopsy 11-17 , PSA13 , Brachy 1-31-18 88seeds PSA10, PSA 4-10 3.21

Post Edited (JohnMorales) : 4/29/2018 10:03:32 AM (GMT-6)

Thanks Michael, really appreciate your reply , yes I fixed the IMRT thing get caught up in the abbreviations ,when i was told I had to have a full bladder for these treatment's I was like *** since ive had so severe urinary issues with emptying my bladder all i kneed is ti have to fill it up every morning ,

A few Questions how much liquid did you have to drink b4 you went for your IMRT I also have about an hr drive as it will be in the morning during rush Hr. and thank you for answering it is hard to get replies here as most come for help and I find that most people when they have moved on don't visit anymore. I think I will stay around here and try to help others as i know the anxiety I have been feeling during all this .

John



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Age 64 Diagnosed Aug 2017
Gleason 4+3 =7 biopsy 11-17 , PSA13 , Brachy 1-31-18 88seeds PSA10, PSA 4-10 3.21

I don't remember how much I was told to drink, but I'm looking at a 16 oz bottle of water here on my desk and it was more than that. I would start drinking when I was about 40 minutes out. Of course, sometimes you'd get there and find out they were running late and you'd have to hold it even longer. I recall several times when I would literally run to the bathroom after the session--and about half the time it was full and I'd have to wait outside.

Funny, I had pretty much forgotten all this until now.

While the treatment itself was a non event, painless, even relaxing just to lie there, urinary frequency increased during treatment, but I expected it to. You just have to prepare yourself and plan around it. At the worst of it, on the drive home I had to urinate every 20 minutes or so.

I had on episode where they had to stop treatment because I couldn't hold it in.

Once I had a plan on how to deal with it, I was okay with it. I would stop half way at a rest area off the highway, to empty the urinal. Water proofed the seat, with a cushion so I wasn't angled back, loose shorts, no underwear, towel over my lap, hey it worked

It resolves over time. If it doesn't, maybe there are other reasons you need to have addressed. I had a combination of an enlarged prostate and a partial blockage that required a separate procedure. It was depressing to have to add that in the middle of a long drawn out treatment

wow didn't want to read this...my prostate is also 55 cm...hmmmm radiologist didn't seem too concerned...WELL MAYBE I SHOULD BE >>>>SHOULD I QUESTION HIM AGAIN I DID ALREADT AND HE SAID HE DOESNT SEE A PROBLEM.......right

HI Stan, Im ok now I am in the 2nd phase of treatment IMRT , My Prostate was swolen after the 88 seeds and pushed inot my bladder that was my issue, but the swelling went down, I was sore for about 2-3 weeks , my wife says I over react , but it took a while but I was feeling better after Brachy.

I was already having some urinary problems before this all started so don't stress, Im just gettign used to having to pee more frequently and not peeing a lot … they say in time it all gets better im just hoping the IMRT goes with not much side effects will see but thinking positive.

What are your side Effects ???

John

Age 64 Diagnosed Aug 2017
Gleason 4+3 =7 biopsy 11-17 , PSA13 , Brachy 1-31-18 88seeds PSA10, PSA 4-10 3.21