Constipation during prostate cancer radiation treatment

Hi,
I would think seven days without a BM is not a good thing. If I were you I would get that checked out ASAP even in the ER room.

Dave 3+4

Go to the Er i had a blockage once before cancer and they had to stick a tube down my nose to my stomach to pump my stomach out i was in the hospital for three days.

“Xray showed a partial blockage”…AND?? No one said anything about alleviating it? This could be very serious if allowed to continue.
Also, your rectum should be EMPTY for treatment - not FULL. However, in your case it is empty in a bad way because digested food is being BLOCKED from reaching it so that it can be eliminated.
You need medical intervention ASAP.
Phil

Thanks to all, at last after 7 days the MiraLAX is taking some affect. Hope it continues.

I feel your frustration. After my prostate surgery, I just could not have a bowel movement; the best and natural laxative for days. I tried everything and still couldn't go. So, by chance, I was in a health store and found a natural laxative called Vital Lax(180 Ct.). I took one immediately, and within an hour or two, I was in heaven. Best stuff ever. Spendy but well worth it. I am a happy camper for sure. Try it and see if it works for you. Best of luck, friend.

Every guy I know that did radiation had to have an empty rectum and full bladder. Magnesium Citrate, aka colon blow, will clean you out. Walmart or drug store. Don't slack on your water intake after your session. 75-100 ounces a day might help.

@crs406, were you able to successfully complete radation treatment? How are the bowels working now?

I completed radiation. I am still constipated.. going on 4 weeks. MiraLAX 3x/day for 2 weeks. 3 days ago a GI flush like for colonopathy. Still no bowl movement. Doctor says take time.
I firmly believe it is because of the oar gel they put in before radiation is blocking my colon. After they put that in I had a very difficult time have a bowl movement, only with extreme pushing was a able to have one. Then I came constipated.

@crs406 I would definitely get to a GI doc and explain the situation.
If anything, diarrhea is extremely common and constipation is hardly ever mentioned.
It is no coincidence that you became constipated as soon as the spacer went in; not saying anything was done incorrectly, but you are obviously not reacting well to that procedure.
How did you manage to have an empty rectum during your treatment?? Were you so blocked that it never reached the rectum? They should have been able to see this every day with the pre- radiation cone beam Xray…very strange!
Phil

I am in 5 wk post SBRT radiation and still have constipation. I know I reached the peak of increasing side effects and now on downslope of decreasing side effects. I eat a very high fiber diet and the only thing I eat at lunch is a big bowl of fruit and drink plenty of liquids. Radiologist suggested Miri Lax and it is supposed to take 1-2 days but after 2 weeks, started to feel the warnings on label of nausea and stomach pain so he said to discontinue. I added a full apple and 5 prunes and it did the trick in a day or so, but not yet consistent results.
I too have a gel spacer and I think that is part of the problem with both constipation and urination issues. Taking 2 generic Flow Max per day 12 hrs apart. Helps with urination, but not constipation. Just 3 more weeks and it will start to deteriorate and hoping that will finally fix both. Might try one of the "blow outs."