Looking for tips on managing radiation-induced proctitis

Posted by rtv @rtv, Dec 17, 2023

Looking for tips from anyone who has experienced bowel incontinence caused by radiation induced proctitis. My husband was diagnosed with radiation induced proctitis 2 years post-radiation therapy. He had a bleeding rectal ulcer that was treated with twice daily sucralfate enemas for 8 weeks. The bleeding has stopped but he still has occasional fecal incontinence.

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chippydoo | @chippydoo | 9 hours ago

Radiation Proctitis and Enteritis are two different conditions that often present together. Each has it own treatment. My proctitis was treated with cauterization which worked well and Enteritis was treated with 90 days of Mesalamine enemas. Teed up the healing process and slowly getting back to normal. Diet helps as rough stuff tends to cause bleeding prior to being treated. It's been a long 15 months post radiation.

Roxy2017 | @roxy2017 | 4 hours ago

Thanks to all three of you for your suggestion. I should have mentioned that I also have and have had for years microscopic colitis which I have learned to control with diet and immodium.

jime51 | @jime51 | 1 hour ago

In reply to @lsk1000 "I’d look into Hyperbaric Oxygen. It seems to be effective with a whole host of ailments." + (show)

@lsk1000 I'm 20 treatments in. Bleeding has stopped but bowel urgency, frequency, and flatulence haven't seen much improvement yet. I'm hoping to complete 30-40 to be sure I've given it every chance.