How do you manage full bladder & empty bowel for daily Radiation?

On top of everything else, my RT appointments have occasionally run anywhere from 10-30 minutes late (them not me). Adds another layer of challenge. Not sure how you prepare for this other than to know it might happen.

@melvinw
Good Morning. The exact same thing happened to me yesterday. At the 25 minute late point I was about at the point of cancelling myself when I was called to treatment . I informed the techs that I would do my best not to soil the table etc, but no gaurantees. Another 5 minute delay and I would not have made it, I literally bolted to the staff restroom in my socks post treatment. I told the dosimetrist that that was as close as it could get. She said she understood etc etc. We'll see. Your team must have given you a reasonable heads up relative to these initial conditions due to the fact that you had a couple weeks to practice and prepare for this gauntlet. I was either not paying attention or they did not stress the importance of this aspect as I, as others, are trying to comply in real-time at the onset of our treatment course. May be time to make some solid recommendations to the community relative to this additional stress factor. Recommending for a friend.
Chile

@chile3 As one of the techs told me, the clinic books too many back-to-back appointments in a day, then when one little glitch occurs, the delays just ripple out. My limit for a “holding pattern” is 30 minutes, and that requires a dash from the table to the restroom. So far, I haven’t exceeded the limit, but the day will likely come. I only got booted from the table once, and that was on day 2 when I had too much gas in my rectum.

Also, I stocked up early on both Gas X and Imodium, just in case I needed them. No need for the later yet, but I have been hitting the Gas X this week.

I try to stay focused on the day in front of me, and keep to a regiment of diet, exercise and sleep. Even with that, it’s stressful.

@melvinw Funny you mention the stress factor. Looking back, juggling the whole fiber/diet/gas - and getting the timing just right - thing was one of the most stressful things I’ve ever done.
It came very easy to some, but not to me with some already challenging GI issues…Thank Goodness for ‘Eye of the Tiger’ and other inspirational ROCKY themed music which helped me keep my game face on…Best,
Phil

Full bladder and empty bowels can be very stressful. I was stressed out worried I would pee all over the radiation “bed”. Having had bladder cancer I have less than 10 seconds to get to the bathroom. Been wearing urinary pads for last 12 years. They are a blessing but as you know NO pad while getting radiation. The full bladder thing worked for me by drinking 15 minutes prior to getting on the table. Did this in the waiting room. The empty bowel think was a worry but I did okay, used some Miralax a few times but stopped as I would empty my bowels every morning I think due to nerves. I had 44 treatments, every day Monday-Friday for 9 weeks. It consumed my life. Side effects became painful urination and trouble getting a stream started. And worse than that extremely painful bowel movements. I mean tears in my eyes pain. Every night I said that’s it I’m not going back… but come morning I was there. Took a good 2 months after to clear up. On Orgovyx and doc says for another year. Test last week indicated PSA & Testosterone are undetectable. Orgovyx side effects are no picnic, hot flashes, weak legs, belly fat, private part shrinkage and my wife says mean on occasion. But I’m making the best of it…. One day at a time. Wishing everyone here all the best and much success beating this pain in the ass Prostate Cancer. Your attitude will play a big part. Think positive, stay strong and Fight Fight Fight. Ken

Related discussions:
- How to prepare for IGRT radiation - full bladder & empty bowel? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-to-prepare-for-igrt-radiation-full-bladder-empty-bowel/
- Starting Radiation tomorrow https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/starting-radiation-tomorrow/

@chile3, how are you doing? Any tips for future readers of this discussion? What do you wish you had known?