Constant need to urinate with radiation therapy for prostate cancer

Posted by dave1957 @dave1957, May 16 9:45am

I am currently undergoing radiation treatment for prostate cancer. I am on treatment 14 of 28. The first week or so was ok but now I am having serious issues. I have gone from the need at night to urinate every 45 minutes or so to every 10-15 minutes. I have gone 3 nights with zero sleep. As soon as I get back in bed and I have to go again. I stop drinking anything at dinner other than what I need to take meds. Sometimes it's an inability to completely empty my bladder but other times I completely empty and still have to go 10 minutes later. My Dr. doubled my Flomax and recommended a product called AZO but neither have been much help. They tell you to take with a full glass of water which seems counterproductive. I have also developed bowel problems and hemorrhoids which is giving me issues as well. I still have a long way to go, and I have to find some way to get some sleep. Has anyone else had these issues and found anything that provides relief. I seriously wish I had gone with surgery but was convinced this was the easier path. I am at my wit's end. Thank you!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

dave1957 | @dave1957 | May 17 4:15pm

In reply to @bens1 "Dave1957: do you know the type of radiation machine that was used on you?" + (show)

No I do not. I am having 28 treatments but am unsure of the type machine used.

q95oldies | @q95oldies | May 18 6:34am

I can sure relate to all of that. I had the same, 28 treatments of radiation, which ended a year ago.
It is just now improving, but for months during and after radiation it was endless peeing. Also, 4 UTIs
last year! The bladder and prostate can be extremely inflamed. Phenazopyridine(AZO) did help some, but
not a lot. Recently a full bladder irrigation helped tremendously! Good luck with your treatment, it will get better, but may take some time. Prayers.

dave1957 | @dave1957 | May 18 8:52am

In reply to @q95oldies "I can sure relate to all of that. I had the same, 28 treatments of radiation,..." + (show)

Sorry you had to go through all that but glad it's getting better. Appreciate the thoughts and prayers. Prayers for you as well.

northoftheborder | @northoftheborder | May 18 11:55am

Oh, add carbonated drinks (pop, beer, etc) to the list of things that can irritate the urinary tract if you have radiation cystitis.

That was one of the worst for me — I could still manage caffeine in moderation, but I'd be facing a VERY long night if I had a can of pop or cider with dinner.

pieperfarm | @pieperfarm | May 18 1:52pm

Double urination can help. Drink lots of water in morning until urine is clear, and stop drinking water a few hours before bed. Try sitting for the second urination.

heavyphil | @heavyphil | May 19 3:51pm

Sorry you are going thru all this but believe me when I tell you that surgery is no picnic either - just different side effects that are equally frustrating and exhausting.
Prostate cancer sucks and so do all of the treatments. But you will live to laugh about it down the road with others who’ve travelled the same path. Hang in there baby!

dave1957 | @dave1957 | May 19 4:09pm

In reply to @heavyphil "Sorry you are going thru all this but believe me when I tell you that surgery..." + (show)

Thank you! The side effects with surgery weren't appealing either and I wasn't impressed with the surgeon that I was referred to.

leegeorge | @leegeorge | May 19 7:04pm

dave1957, I am going on 10 weeks post radiation therapy (28 treatments). Still have some of those same issues myself. It seems to keep improving, but much slower than I would like. My Doc tells me to be patient. But, sometimes my patience runs thin. I have to remind myself that it is better than the alternative.