How to release flatulence without releasing urine?

I went through this same issue. What I ended up doing was this....

Originally, when getting tattooed and measure for the jig, I had trapped gas and a full bladder. Tech asked me if I could pass gas without peeing, ummm nope. So he called the doc and the doc essentially put a tube up my anus which released a surprising amount of gas. What little dignity was left, right out the window. 🙂 So if you're having trouble, they can have a plan "B". This was the only time I needed that assist...

My radiation treatment was at 9:00 the center was really good about keeping to schedule, so that was a big help

I'd get up about 7 ish, have a cup of java, then morning constitutional sometime in that first hour. Then I would drink about 24 ounces of water over the next half hour. I didn't eat anything during that time.

If I had to release flatulence during this time period, I'd go to the bathroom and stand over the toilet. Only let out the urine I absolutely had to when it happened. It didn't happen much because I've moved my bowels already and have not eaten anything at all.

Using this formula, I was always about 80% (often closer to 100% ) bladder capacity and had empty bowels. In the 39 treatments I only had to hang around a few minutes and drink water once. After zapping I would eat breakfast in my vehicle then drive directly to the gym and have a work out.

I realize everyone's a little different and I was VERY lucky where time of day was concerned.

Regarding the flatulence, unfortunately, this minor annoyance happens to this day. I describe it like this..

Prior to surgery, if I felt gas I thought I could get rid of, and was alone somewhere, I'd push to get it out, I think most folks do.
After surgery (almost 2.5 years) , if I do the above, I can still have a minuscule leakage, it's about a 50/50 at this point. What I have learned is to let it out, as opposed to push it out. This has helped tremendously.

It gets better over time....or at least it has for me.
Best of luck to you!

I scheduled my radiation treatment for 11:30AM, since my bowels worked like clockwork and were naturally empty by then -- a consideration that can ease cocerns of empty bowel and no gas. My RO had instructed me to take milk-of-magnesia and Gas-X the night before the RT. The former kept stools soft (could be tapered if they became too soft) and the latter helped prevent gas. She also recommended avoiding gas producing foods for the duration of RT. Of course, check with your RO before taking any OTC meds or supplements.

How the heck can you follow a zero fiber diet for almost 2 months?
I already take MiraLax daily and eat unheard of amounts of fiber - cereals, corn and beans to produce a daily BM. Am I supposed to cut all that out when my time comes for salvage RT?
Radiologist told me he needs a ‘clean bowel’ - meaning rectum I assume - so are we talking daily enemas or suppositories? Jeez, the hits just keep on comin’….

Thanks for your comment. I’ve been asking myself the same thing. My radiologist gave me a list of foods that I can eat and a list that I cannot eat. Guess which one is longer. My radiologist wants as empty of a bowel as possible and ideally ZERO gas in the intestines which is the primary reason for the zero fiber diet. Taking those steps minimizes risk of the radiation causing damage to the bowels and even the bladder.

Since having salvage prostatectomy in January I’ve been eating a high protein, relatively low fiber, diet every day. I take a ducolax (without laxative) every night before I go to bed and it works its magic within an hour of eating breakfast. I’m as regular as a Rolex watch. I’m hoping that holds.

Now if I can only release gas like I did before RP!

Feb - June 2023, I had salvage radiation w/ short term ADT following prostatectomy in Aug 2022.
37 daily treatments IMRT over almost 8 weeks.
Radiation prep of almost full bladder and almost empty rectum were interesting experiences for me, and every man that I encountered at treatment.

It will be an individual plan for everyone; and a trial and error process.

Empty rectum/gas: My regular dietary goals are only whole grains and lots of vegetables.
I modified somewhat by avoiding/limiting the known gas producing foods such as brocolli and beans, and eating smaller salads.
Together with GasX at night, I managed to make it through treatment. Fortuitously, I am more regular than Amtrak.

Almost full bladder: Another individual regimine. I tried to drink 40 - 60 oz of water; urinate about 45 mins before treatment and then consume another 20 ozs or so of water, finishing 20 - 30 mins before treatment so that the bladder could refill.
It is an interesting tight rope to walk, and, again, every man had his own recipe.
I was kicked off the table one time for inadequate hydration.

And a major challenge is the occasional need to "release a little pressure" right before treatment.

A friend and I joked that the "perfect" radiation diet was a double whopper with cheese, no pickle or lettuce, and fries. 3 times a day.

And while you are in treatment remember "this too shall pass".

Best wishes to all.

And the gold ring is my PSA reported as undetectable at < .02 six and nine months post treatment, with a 3rd test this month🤞

Feb - June 2023, I had salvage radiation w/ short term ADT following prostatectomy in Aug 2022.
37 daily treatments IMRT over almost 8 weeks.
Radiation prep of almost full bladder and almost empty rectum were interesting experiences for me, and every man that I encountered at treatment.

It will be an individual plan for everyone; and a trial and error process.

Empty rectum/gas: My regular dietary goals are only whole grains and lots of vegetables.
I modified somewhat by avoiding/limiting the known gas producing foods such as brocolli and beans, and eating smaller salads.
Together with GasX at night, I managed to make it through treatment. Fortuitously, I am more regular than Amtrak.

Almost full bladder: Another individual regimine. I tried to drink 40 - 60 oz of water; urinate about 45 mins before treatment and then consume another 20 ozs or so of water, finishing 20 - 30 mins before treatment so that the bladder could refill.
It is an interesting tight rope to walk, and, again, every man had his own recipe.
I was kicked off the table one time for inadequate hydration.

And a major challenge is the occasional need to "release a little pressure" right before treatment.

A friend and I joked that the "perfect" radiation diet was a double whopper with cheese, no pickle or lettuce, and fries. 3 times a day.

And while you are in treatment remember "this too shall pass".

Best wishes to all.

And the gold ring is my PSA reported as undetectable at < .02 six and nine months post treatment, with a 3rd test this month🤞