Urinary Retention after Prostate Radiation

I also didn't have any kind of gel spacer as with the location of my tumor the gel would have interfered with the radiation. I had the balloon, which wasn't the most pleasant thing ever but certainly could have been worse. I had 28 proton therapy treatments that finished 18 days ago and after a few days of diarrhea I have no further issues. I hope that continues but know radiation can have delayed side effects.

Funny you should say that. I just had a conversation with my RO about that subject at Orlando Cancer Center. She said that if everybody wanted the Mridian, they would not be able to accommodate them. They also have the Varian Edge and a Proton machine. They are getting the Elekta Unity in about a year.

Also, when I did a telehealth with the Moffitt Cancer center, the RO stated that if I wanted to use the dynamic mapping capability of the Mridian that I should go someplace else, so I did. Although there is way more to that story, part of his reasoning was that other types of cancer treatments involve more movement than the prostate.

I am happy for you. I didn't have the option that you had -- go somewhere else. There are only two MRI Linacs within a 300-mile radius where I live. And yes, their limited capacity is dedicated to those who need a greater accuracy (less margin than the older Elektas).

Radiation caused an urethral stricture (obstruction ) for me, Getting a look at the urethra is a good idea. If you can self catheterize an obstruction is unlikely, but you never know. If there is damage hyperbaric oxygen may help. If there is a stricture the insertion of a balloon can open/widen tne passage.

@klp
I became aware that right after 28 radiation treatments for prostate cancer, I began retaining fluid mostly visible in my legs and feet.
Most primary doctors prescribed diuretic pills.
I don't understand the process of having to take fluids in to flush fluids out. Can you explain it in terms regular people can understand?

@chaplain88

I believe if you are not taking in enough fluids your body takes the fluid from elsewhere in your body and "parks" fluid in your legs and feet or other areas.
Drink more fluids and walk around.
Not sure of the relationship to radiation though.

Ray

@ddewitt Is there blood/clots in the urine that could be causing the retention? Has he gotten a cystoscopy to see if there is scar tissue creating a stricture?

@chaplain88 I finished my 28 session course two weeks ago. I am dealing with low flow, urine retention and sometimes difficulty in starting to void. I do not have fluid retention (edema) in my legs, however. There are many reasons for pedal edema (a fancy term for what you have). But since this happened only after your sessions, could it be that you are voiding less than before? In that case, the diuretics should help. Some blood pressure pills with prolonged standing up can cause it, too. I'm certain that drinking more fluid will not help. It might worsen the situation. Edema occurs when fluid escapes from the vascular (blood vessels) into the interstitial (other cells) space due to excess volume. Did you try elevating your legs while seated or walk (as able to) for exercise? Did your blood pressure go up? These are things you should consult with your doctor with to narrow down what's causing it.

@chaplain88, like @ray092271 said, drinking more water when you have water retention issue keeps the body hydrated, and prevents your body from "hoarding" fluid to make up for a shortage.

It seems counterintuitive, but drinking more water (stayed hydrated) makes it is easier for the body to flush out excess salt and waste.

You might also be interested in this related discussion:
- Edema treatment: What did you do to alleviate swollen ankles, feet?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/edema-treatment/