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Looking for tips on managing Radiation-induced proctitis
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Aug 21 6:06pm | Replies (64)Comment receiving replies
lhs38,
Next you find a gastroenterologist who will use a special wand for radiofrequency. Dr Buxbaum at USC
1520 San Pablo St, Los Angeles, CA 90033 Phone: (323) 442-5100 will know exactly what you are asking for.
It is a procedure commonly done for hospitalized patients and not widely known by physicians outside. Proctitis is inflammation of the rectum. Radiation Proctitis is not a simple inflamation of the rectum. After the first treatment, the bleeding was greatly reduced. You may need serveral treatments.
I was told by many GIs and two Oncologists to get used to it; there was no remedy.
You want the procedure using the Halo 90 wand.
The procedure is painless Though they often use anesthesia, I never have it because I have to drive myself. It is an outpatient procedure done in hospital for people like us.
Replies to "lhs38, Next you find a gastroenterologist who will use a special wand for radiofrequency. Dr Buxbaum..."
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The first treatment didn't completely stop the bleeding, but it was dramatic. I've returned three times over the last five years. The procedure heals the areas treated and has documented effect of healing between some areas of treatment. Untreated areas can start to bleed as part of the long term effect of radiation. The bleeding doesn't resume in treated areas.
Hyperbaric treatment is also effective. It can take 45 to 90 sessions of sitting in the chamber for 2 hours. I stopped that treatment to avoid sitting in a closed space with 6 others during Covid.
There are other doctors mostly hospitalists-- one at Scripps, though you couldn't do better than "born happy" Buxbaum.
It was difficult to find out about this treatment. I was calling doctors named as authors on Pub Med reports.
best,
gently