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Radiation Proctopathy

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supercargo
supercargo

Completed RT for PC 20 months ago. Now diagnosed with Radiation Proctopathy causing bleeding from the back end.

Anyone have similar experience ?

Is it self healing ?

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • JohnPMcC
    JohnPMcC supercargo

    Posted

    No, it's not self-healing. About 4 months, after 44 sessions of laser beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer, I began bleeding rectally. It got worse as the days went by. Finally went to ER after I woke up one morning with a pajama bottom full of blood and colon tissue. I had a surgical procedure called argon plasma coagulation. Had a second procedure 4 weeks later. The bleeding has stopped. I insert a prescription suppository (Anucort) nightly. Allows bowel movements with little to no pain, pressure or straining. Can't be cured but can be successfully managed for decades with patient awareness.
    • supercargo
      supercargo JohnPMcC

      Posted

      Hi John

      Thanks for that.

      I think our posts are crossing on two threads.

    • supercargo
      supercargo JohnPMcC

      Posted

      Hi JohnPMcC

      What is the procedure for 'Argon plasma coagulation' ?

      ​What type of anaestheic, how long is procedure and recovery.

    • JohnPMcC
      JohnPMcC supercargo

      Posted

      I had argon plasma coagulation for a severe case of post-radiation proctitis, although I assume it's used for any case of proctitis.

      The physician used a combination of 2 drugs. I could answer his questions although I had no memory of any conversation. It wasn't general anesthesia, but I felt nothing and was asleep the entire procedure. I woke up less than 1 minute after procedure was over. Had to wait minimum of 30 minutes before being discharged. Had to have a driver to be discharged.

      Procedure was approximately 30 minutes.

      Recovery? Best to talk to professional who performs procedure about recovery time. Mine has been long-term, but my physician told me he had never seen a case as severe as mine. And he is no spring chicken. Must be in his 50s. In one of the top practices in this area.

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