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Radiation causing constant urge to urinate and burning
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Mar 24 9:36am | Replies (39)Comment receiving replies
Towards the end of IMRT x 28 I began to have issues. The care team always asked about "burning". It was so consistent that I suspected a conspiracy to make me tolerate the frequency, the urgency, the weak stream etc, etc, with: "At least I don't have the burning!" And then finally I got the burning.
For the first 3 weeks after ringing the bell the urinary issues got worse. Tamsulosin (Flowmax) in week two of treatment worked for the first few days and then didn't seem to help (although the last time I forget a dose was definitely worse). Next step was daily Ibuprofen - who knows if it helps. Next they put me on a 10 day course of the steroid dexamethasone - this definitely helped me... eat everything in the refrigerator and beyond. Lastly, two weeks after treatment they gave me phenazopyridine hydrochloride which turned my pee florescent yellow and stains anything it touches. I've been sitting down to pee more and more frequently and with the cool, all-staining urine, now I only stand to pee in urinals and once or twice daily at home as an optimistic test.
My radiation treatment went so well that I felt I should be 100% 'cured' the moment I rang that bell. I'm okay with reporting that everything else improved immediately but the peeing got worse and worse. Finally, 4 weeks after, I think there is light at the end of the tunnel. I've surely figured out that drinking alcohol does not help, makes it much worse, and my nice night out yesterday led to a much worse night at home. Cutting back on drinking can't be a bad thing but I'm certainly not going to avoid it completely.
Good luck and don't despair about these issues. Things sound much worse for the RP folks. Treat it as a challenge to overcome for several weeks and hope, like I'm still hoping, that the end of the tunnel is near.
Also, I told very few people about my PC. After the bell I told a few more but most of my family and friends do not know. However I found it easier to tell people I had a urinary issue due to my PC treatment (if they know) or some vague 'medical treatment' (if they don't). Makes it easy to joke about your many trips to the bathroom. I'll say things like: "I'm going to the bathroom, see you in 20 minutes!" Don't suffer in silence and embarrassment. Good luck!
Replies to "Towards the end of IMRT x 28 I began to have issues. The care team always..."
@rtmcknight You are doing a disservice , in particular not telling your family about your condition - This secrecry will come back someday and bite you in the asse . I bet the vast majority on this forum informed their immediate family right away , and subsequently were helped by their concerns and everyday support . PROSTATE CANCER IS A FAMILY MATTER .
Picture the hurt and backlash when they find out you hid this from them . And they will . They will never trust you again or forgive you for your silence .
Additionally , again speaking for the majority on this forum . You are doing a disservice to your friends and associates . It appears you are ashamed you have cancer - Perhaps in your mind , it refelects on your manhood .
Embrace this desease and use it to educate your friends and associates , and perhaps save an extended family members or friends life .
I have become " AN ADVOCATE " for prostate cancer . I guide fellow travellers , from six countries , on their journey , referring them to Dr. Patrick Walsh's book " Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer " plus Dr. Mark Sholz U Tube Videos and other forums . I have well attended seminairs in our local library . Like so many 1st time posts on this forum , it is a kick in the gut to be told you have cancer . They don't know where to turn -- They are in panic mode .
Several of these members , of this club which nobody wants to belong , have educated them selves to become their own best advocates , and now ADVOCATE OTHERS . It a case of spread the knowledge and save others lives .
Think about it .
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Thank you. Great info! I had a tough day yesterday and last night with both urinary urgency and frequency. And loose stools. Now, today I feel almost normal again. Just had my treatment. Still loose stools so will back off the daily Miralax but thinking better to have loose stools and frequency (not quite diarrhea but close) than not having a BM prior to treatment.
I’m also on monthly Lupron injections so I have doubled my exercise and weight training and walking to try to not loose muscle mass. And push through the fatigue. I’m 75 so my weight training and stretching is not even close to what it used to be lol. Anyway today is a good day. One day at a time.
Good luck on getting past your peeing burning. I have read where this usually resolves in 2 to 4 months but can sometimes last nearly a year. And that some don’t have any issues then it comes on a year out. I guess we are all different and can just go with the flow (pun intended) and push through. Keep up the great attitude and mindset. I think that is really important. Don’t let PC win 👍