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Successful Radiation Proctitis Treatment?
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!
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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.
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!
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2 Reactions@bob1955 I do have two tiny first-ever tattoos on my abdomen, according to my wife. Each treatment consisted of careful placement, scan, and then radiation. I've never been diagnosed with IBS but tend toward bloating and gas. I am pre-diabetic and take Diltiazem to control BP. I'm 74.
@mjp0512 Maintaining some sort of humor, however twisted, is vital to getting through this stuff for all of us!
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.
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3 Reactions@chippydoo Thanks! You answered the question I asked you in another thread. I'll reach out to my GI.
@jime51, you may also want to review these related discussions about radiation-induced proctitis:
- Looking for tips on managing Radiation-induced proctitis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/radiation-induced-proctitis/
See all: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/prostate-cancer/
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