On 12/2/2007 Adoyle wrote:
It seems like I might finally have an answer to the problems I have been experiencing since my radiation therapy. I went to my family doctor yesterday and she has referred me to a gastroenterologist for possible radiation proctitis. Has anyone had this? Do you know what the testing and treaments are like? Are they usually successful in curing the problem? I feel so frustrated b/c it just seems like one thing after another and I can't just get better. My cancer is in remission though, so that is great news. I worry that this rectal bleeding is colon cancer (metastatic) rather than proctitis...HELP!
Radiation Proctitis in answer I have had this problem since radiation for Prostate cancer 7 years ago. One must be careful what you eat i am on a restricted Non glutan diet and stool softner which helps but still I get reacurrances. Fasting for minimum 5 days seems to relieve the problem.Of course Sitz baths and frequent baths when it flares up does help. I have had a internal checks and several times a year my doctor gives me a smear test for colon blood up to now now problems.There is a good site for colin care called Proctitis help put out by an english gentleman in England who offers good help for our condition. My ocoligist says there is lttle help except maybe surgerey which isn't the answer in all occasions.;He also says radition for Prostate is and extreeme salution and eventuly other remidies will be used but that won't help us.Eat carefully and live well with little stress as possible.
Hope this helps.
Terry