Incontinence During Early Salvage Radiation

So I am 13/34 radiation treatments in and my incontinence is coming back. Before radiation started i largely wore a pad for coughs and sneezes. Now I seem to be slow leaking and am going through 2 or 3 pads a day. Kegels are not helping (I am doing all the exercises the physical therapist recommended)

Will I heal again when these treatments finish?

Yes, and it’s going to get worse and peeing on the table is not uncommon toward the end.

I'm just over 1 year out from ART and wear one pad a day.

Are you using the thinner shields or the thicker guards? I found that the guards worked best for me. I keep a couple extra in the map pocket behind the front seat of the car and a couple in my work briefcase. Haven't had to use any of the backups yet.

A week after I finished, I couldn't urinate and ended up getting a catheter in the ER (not the best Birthday Present) and a month on Flomax - no issues though since that time. You may find that your flow is diminishing toward the end of the sessions, definitely talk to the RO if you find that happening.

And best of luck with the remaining treatments

I would opin that many of the RT side effects are delayed. Mine hit nadir (the maximum) 3 years and 2 months after RT ended, they then began to subside. I still have some "stress incontinence" 7 years after RT ended. Don't wear a pad though, as it isn't that bad any more. Like fiddlecanoe, mine is worse if I am drinking so I slip a Kleenex in my underwear after the second shot of rum.

Stephen S said...

GG1273 said...
Are you using the thinner shields or the thicker guards?

I am wearing the thicker guards. Before SRT I was wearing the thin ones at night (more comfortable) but I switched back to be safe.

Definitely gauge your urine output as you get closer to the end of the treatments. If it is slowing down from your normal flow, let the RO know. Flowmax helped as did some OTC pain relievers. Not being able to urinate put me in the ER and you don't want to damage your kidneys

Hello Stephen S. ---

I had 45 radiation treatments ...

I kept track of math FRACTIONS in my mind with that ... 5 treatments finished out of 45 equaled one-ninth done. Fifteen treatments completed out of 45 treatments equaled one third done.

Keeping track of the fractions was a way to keep me on track, and to stay motivated.

Best news out of your post? You are already ONE-THIRD of the way there! Now that's a fraction from math class that's a milestone. Soon enough, you will be halfway there!

Each treatment counts ... they add up ... steadily ... and all of a sudden ... you reach the last treatment!

Sending you 100% of my support!

Stay strong, stay determined,
Iowa State University CYCLONE