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Mentor

Need fix for small uncontrolled bowl movements after radiation?

Posted by Don Higgins, Volunteer Mentor @dsh33782, Feb 23 7:35am

In April 2025 I had 28 days of radiation for prostate cancer which resulted in some continuing uncontrolled bowel incontinence. My doc said it would stop in a few months but it has not. As a result I continue to wear depends 24/7. This is manageable but I would like to correct this medical problem. There is a new Mayo Clinic book now available in paper and audio formats here: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/product/mayo-clinic-on-incontinence/
The book does a great job describing the causes and treatments along with references to different types of doctors who can help. I have an appointment with my gastro doc this Friday and hope to find a cure.
Don

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jime51 | @jime51 | Feb 27 3:15pm
In reply to @chippydoo "@jime51 Mine kicked into high gear 9 months after radiation. Finally got in to see a..." + (show)
Profile picture for chippydoo @chippydoo

@jime51 Mine kicked into high gear 9 months after radiation. Finally got in to see a GI doctor and ended up getting a procedure that cauterized bleeding veins which seems to be working. A lot of gas with little bowel production. Going in Monday and will see if Sucralfate stuff will help with that. I am so over the rad side effects but grateful that I am undetectable.

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@chippydoo Mine started during radiation and just hasn't stopped. Little bleeding, and the gastroenterologist did a bit of cautery during a colonoscopy. I've had one incident of slight bleeding since starting the enemas. The amount of compounded Sucralfate (10%) I've been prescribed is very small, just 20ml or about the same as a dose of cough syrup or Pepto Bismol. It was originally used for ulcers and only later tried for treating colorectal issues. My gastroenterologist also suggested to keep taking Psyllium fiber to avoid diarrhea and to offset any constipation caused by Oxybutynin, which I started taking recently for the purposes of reducing nighttime urination frequency and hot flashes. So far, I'm just getting a little help with hot flashes. PSA currently < .01, Testosterone < 10

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Profile picture for Don Higgins, Volunteer Mentor
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Don Higgins, Volunteer Mentor | @dsh33782 | Feb 27 3:29pm

I saw my urologist today and got a good report on PSA. It was undetectable. He inserted spacer and markers before radiation. However, regarding bowel incontinence he wants me to go back to radiation oncologist that ordered the 28 days of radiation. I now have appointment for next Wednesday, and hope to get recommendations on fixing bowl incontinence.
Don

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chippydoo | @chippydoo | Feb 27 3:48pm
In reply to @jime51 "@chippydoo Mine started during radiation and just hasn't stopped. Little bleeding, and the gastroenterologist did a..." + (show)
Profile picture for jime51 @jime51

@chippydoo Mine started during radiation and just hasn't stopped. Little bleeding, and the gastroenterologist did a bit of cautery during a colonoscopy. I've had one incident of slight bleeding since starting the enemas. The amount of compounded Sucralfate (10%) I've been prescribed is very small, just 20ml or about the same as a dose of cough syrup or Pepto Bismol. It was originally used for ulcers and only later tried for treating colorectal issues. My gastroenterologist also suggested to keep taking Psyllium fiber to avoid diarrhea and to offset any constipation caused by Oxybutynin, which I started taking recently for the purposes of reducing nighttime urination frequency and hot flashes. So far, I'm just getting a little help with hot flashes. PSA currently < .01, Testosterone < 10

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@jime51 Good news. Keep going, you've got this.

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Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director
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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 7 3:15pm
In reply to @dsh33782 "I saw my urologist today and got a good report on PSA. It was undetectable. He..." + (show)
Profile picture for Don Higgins, Volunteer Mentor @dsh33782

I saw my urologist today and got a good report on PSA. It was undetectable. He inserted spacer and markers before radiation. However, regarding bowel incontinence he wants me to go back to radiation oncologist that ordered the 28 days of radiation. I now have appointment for next Wednesday, and hope to get recommendations on fixing bowl incontinence.
Don

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@dsh33782, good news regarding the PSA. How did the appointment with the radiation oncologist go? Did they provide any tips for managing bowel incontinence?

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Don Higgins, Volunteer Mentor | @dsh33782 | Mar 7 4:40pm
In reply to @colleenyoung "@dsh33782, good news regarding the PSA. How did the appointment with the radiation oncologist go? Did..." + (show)
Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

@dsh33782, good news regarding the PSA. How did the appointment with the radiation oncologist go? Did they provide any tips for managing bowel incontinence?

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@colleenyoung
The radiation doc prescribed styroid enema for 2 weeks and then referred me to my gastro doc. I'm glad I have good insurance. Monday I go back to Moffitt for blood work and scans before I have another endoscopy and oblation for barretts esophagus.
Don

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