Pelvic Radiation Side Effects

Hi....I had alot of pelvic radiation recently and I am having quite a few side effects. My doctor ran some tests and scans and he told me that the radiation has caused "Insufficiency fractures of the sacrum". This is why I am not able to walk now. Has anybody else had this happen to them from radiation therapy? I also have alot of other side effects and would like to hear from someone else who has had radiation therapy to the pelvic area.....Thanks, Paulette

I think you doctor is pulling rabbits out of a hat.  Generally your sacrum, except for rectal would be spared from most of the radiation.  Even so, in the absence of "trauma" I don't think it would just "break".

What cancer do you have?  And what treatment?

On 3/16/2007 Witchdoctor wrote:

I think you doctor is pulling rabbits out of a hat.  Generally your sacrum, except for rectal would be spared from most of the radiation.  Even so, in the absence of "trauma" I don't think it would just "break".

What cancer do you have?  And what treatment?

Hi...Actually, ''Insufficiency Fracture of the Sacrum'' is very common from having any type of pelvic radiation. Especially if you already have weakening in your bones such as osteoporosis. There is much about this when you search the web on pelvic radiation side effects...The pelvic MRI w/contrast and the bone scan showed that this is what has happened in my case. It isn't actually a 'break' in the sacrum....they are referred to 'hairline cracks'. Because there are hundreds of nerves that travel through the sacrum..it also affects the legs and that is why you can't walk and have to stay in bed until it heals which is generally in approximately 4 months. Anyways...I was just hoping to hear from someone who has been through this themselves and hopefully find some info on what they might have done for it and how long it was before they got to walk again. I am going crazy being stuck in bed alrady over 2 months now and am even wondering if I'll ever get all the way better...I'm not being smart when I say this but I truly know a whole lot more about this than my doctor so he is of no help..Well...God Bless and thanks for listening.....Paulette