Need fix for small uncontrolled bowl movements after radiation?

Let me know how things work out for you. Been dealing with bowel issues from radiation since 2019.

Yes, radiation cystitis (bladder irritation) and radiation proctitis (rectal irritation) are possible side-effects of radiation therapy to the prostate. Usually they fade in a few months, as you mention, but a small percentage of us are unlucky and end up with them long-term.

In my case, the radiation proctitis resulted only in irritation — spicy foods burn at both ends of the digestive system — but the radiation cystitis resulted in several months of serious urinary incontinence and some gross hematuria (basically, peeing blood) a year after my radiation therapy. Eventually, I got it under control, and it's not a serious issue any more, but it took time.

For cystitis, if things hadn't worked out for me, there are treatments like inflating your bladder with pure oxygen daily for a few weeks to help the tissue heal; I don't know if there's a similar treatment for the proctitis. It's probably time to ask for a referral to a proctologist (preferably one experienced with treating prostate cancer patients) to discuss your options.

Best of luck!

What is your diagnosis?

For the worst diagnosis, they’ll recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

I completed 44 radiation treatments in April, 2025. Diarrhea started during that time and lasted until December, when I started taking Psyllium (Metamucil) and a Gut Restore Probiotic. Bowel movements are still frequent and urgent. A gastroenterologist diagnosed radiation proctitis and prescribed two Sucraflate enemas daily for four weeks to help tissue healing. I have completed one week, and the effect is soothing but I still have 3-5 bowel movements daily. If your gastro finds a better solution, please share it! I am wearing pads daily due to small unpredictable leaks.

@jime51 Psyllium is usually used for constipation; also shown to be very irritating in those with undiagnosed IBS.
So please stop that, if you haven’t already done so. Hope you feel better…
Phil

Agreed — anything scratchy is going to irritate the radiation damage in your bowels/rectum, and psyllium is one of the scratchiest of edible fibres.

I'd recommend avoiding fibre and natural laxatives and temporarily shifting to natural constipants, like bananas, white bread, applesauce, cheese, eggs, etc, just to see if they slow things down a bit.

@heavyphil Psyllium was recommended by the online U. Minn. support group and confirmed by my gastroenterologist. The purpose is to add bulk to the stool, and it has stopped my diarrhea. Yes, it's generally recommended for someone who has constipation.

@jime51 Well, glad it worked; but it never worked for me ( no IBS) and caused more gas than anything else. My RO told me not to use it.
I went thru a whole psyllium thing when my cat had a bout of severe diarrhea. One vet said psyllium, the breeder said canned pumpkin, the internet said both.
One website claimed the psyllium absorbed excess water to stop the diarrhea and the other said psyllium absorbed water and bulked up the stool to alleviate constipation; so the same supplement works for two opposite ailments??
Well, it worked for your condition and that’s all that matters; your post made it sound like you were still having excessive movements in spite of it…Best,
Phil

@heavyphil yes, 3-5 BMs daily but no more diarrhea. Hoping that the enemas will promote healing and hence better control. Current it’s an express lane with no waiting.

I dealt with bowel incontinence for a couple of months after radiation then it quieted down. Then 10 months later it returned with a vengeance and brought copious amounts of bleeding with it. I left a blood trail from the kitchen to the stairs one morning. Didn't even know I was bleeding. Got a GI appointment and Sigmoidoscopy which confirmed Radiation Proctitis and the doc cauterized some veins and stated I might need 2-3 more sessions. It seems the urgency is starting to come and go which is an improvement. It seems torching the rectum with radiation is the gift that keeps on giving. Hope you get it resolved soon.