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Has anyone had diarrhea with radiation?

Prostate Cancer | Last Active: 5 days ago | Replies (66)

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I had 26 radiation treatments to the pelvis generally and 18 prostate-specific, beginning in February and ending in April,2025. I still have daily diarrhea, 8 months afterward. My oncology team and PCP cannot offer a better solution than Imodium, which I take daily. The gastroenterologist who performed my colonoscopy in June did not find irritation or damage at that time, but may be checking again. I am to take 2T Psyllium Husk (fiber) daily as well as a "gut" probiotic, especially one that is designed to stay intact until past the stomach and into the bowel. I can also continue using Imodium. I had a blood test yesterday to rule out Celiac Disease and am to submit stool samples to rule out infection and inflammation. An option would be regular medicated enemas, which neither he nor I prefer. If another solution isn't found, he suggests that I have a Sigmoidoscopy and perhaps biopsy in my future. He used the term "radiation proctitis," which I am hoping if accurate is temporary. Perhaps some of this will be helpful as you speak with your medical team. All the best!

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Replies to "I had 26 radiation treatments to the pelvis generally and 18 prostate-specific, beginning in February and..."

@jime51 Your experience sounds very similar to my radiation proctitis. GI stated Imodium works until it doesn't. My bowel lining is in flamed and rectum area had to be cauterized due to rectal bleeding like a period from 9 months post radiation. I am currently doing 3 months of Mesalamine enemas which seems to be helping with the uncontrollable bowel urgency. At two months I am so over them but giving it a try. Also added more fiber such as oats to my diet. I had a sigmoidoscopy and radiation proctitis was confirmed and they cauterized a dozen or so veins. Which probiotic did they recommend? I might give it a try. Thanks.

@jime51

This sounds like my story! I used the immodium during the treatment phase but now I use the psyllium---unfortunately, the manufacturers think they make it taste better but it seems like Tang to me!

@jime51 I've had two courses of CyberKnife radiation (2017 for prostate cancer and 2026 for recurrent prostate cancer), had diarrhea both times. Ask your doc for Lomotil (diphenoxylate - atropine,) worked for me in 90 minutes.