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Looking for tips on managing radiation-induced proctitis
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: 2 hours ago | Replies (110)Comment receiving replies
SpaceOar barrier gel was placed January 2025 and I had 44 weekday IMRT treatments during February-April. Diarrhea started along the way and continued after treatment until December, when I started taking Psyllium fiber and probiotic daily. This took care of the diarrhea, but I continued having 4-6 bowel movements daily. In January, 2026 I was diagnosed with radiation proctitis during a colonoscopy and prescribed four weeks of twice-daily Sucralfate enemas which I will finish this week. Bleeding has stopped and BMs are down typically to four: three between 5-9 A.M. and one afternoon/evening. Any suggestions toward complete healing? I have read somewhere here on the forum that a patient took these enemas for a year and then had hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Your input to control my output is appreciated!
Replies to "SpaceOar barrier gel was placed January 2025 and I had 44 weekday IMRT treatments during February-April...."
Sorry...I don't have any help for you but this...
"Your input to control my output is appreciated!"
...made me spit my coffee on my keyboard. 🤣🤣🤣
Best wishes!
I have seen marked improvement using Mesalamine enemas for my proctitis over the past 9 days. I was up to 8-9 bm's per day prior. Now 1-2 per day without the urgency and rapid Penguin walk.
@jime51
Hi,
In India, some ROs prescribe multiple supplements, including probiotic. Two other supplements prescribed to my father were Nancumin and Aktocyte ( https://dae.gov.in/launch-of-nutraceutical-aktocyte-by-the-department-of-atomic-energy-set-to-transform-cancer-care/ ); the prior is fairly common tablet with nano curcumin, while the latter is a specific supplement developed by the Department of Atomic Energy of India along with a lab, for reducing the side effects caused due to radiation.
Possibly your GI or RO won't be aware, but just thought of letting you know in case you manage to find the compound in some other supplements.
Also, for your BMs, if you are still taking probiotic or on a heavy fibre diet, I assume this is expected; probably reconsider diet? I hope you get right directions for complete healing.
I had SBRT ( 5 sessions at 7.25 Gy with focal boost to 40Gy) in December of 2023. A Barrigel Spacer was placed..
I had a routine colonoscopy in November of 2024 at the following was noted:
“A few angioectasis were seen in the distal rectum. Likely secondary to radiation proctopathy. Patient did not report bleeding hence no intervention was performed.”
In July of 2025 I started noting some bowel urgency, blood on the toilet paper, and some blood on the stool. This occurred 4 times in July.
Since then I had been noticing it perhaps once or twice a month,
In April of this year it happened about 4 times again.
The distress and bleeding were minimal, and my Complete Blood Count was normal.
I started taking 400mg Vitamin E, 500mg Vitamin C, and 25,000 IU Beta Carotene daily on the first of May.
I have had no episodes of bleeding or urgency since starting this regiment.
I have no idea if the E, C and Beta Carotene have in fact helped, or if this pause in symptoms is just that......a pause like I have seen over the past year.
Time will tell.
If you are experiencing a similar problem it my be worth your time to give it a try.
Stay Strong Brothers, We Got This.
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As I am going through similar radiation treatment, do you mind if I ask if you had a) fiducial markers and b) preexisting IBS, diabetes, uncontrolled HTN or other complicating factor? Best of luck on your treatment.