1. Community
  2. Cancer
  3. Prostate Cancer

Excessive wind

Posted , 4 users are following.

peter85431
peter85431

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago and had a course of 37 sessions of radio therapy plus a curse of three monthly injections, now coming to an end. Snce the radio therapy I have had excessive wind and would like to know if others have had this side effect. I have the usual radiation damage to the lower bowel but cannot understand how this could be the cause of the problem. Can anyone explain?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • helen33824
    helen33824 peter85431

    Posted

    Hi Peter, when there was a possibility of my husband having some RT for his prostate cancer, he read up about it on the net and excessive wind seems to be a common side effect.  Various causes are mentioned, such as the RT weakening the pelvic floor muscles or causing inflammation of the large bowel.   By the way, Macmillan Cancer Support have a downloadable booklet on bowel problems after pelvic radiotherapy with management advice.  http://www.nhs.uk/ipgmedia/national/Macmillan%20Cancer%20Support/Assets/Pelvicradiotherapyinmen-bowelproblems(CB).pdf

    Commiserations on your radiation damage – my brother-in-law was also left with this after his brachytherapy.   

  • barney34567
    barney34567 peter85431

    Posted

    Perhaps you have not modified your diet sufficiently to take account of your new health status.

    I ( as a prospective patient) understand that some foods may cause flatulence and diarrhoea, these include:

    Spicy foods

    Greasy foods

    Fried foods

    Eat less of these or better yet none of these.

    Also eat less insoluble fibre foods eg lettuce and more soluble fibre

    or low fibre foods such as

    Bananas

    Mashed potato

    Canned fruit

    White rice

    Animal protein such as fish and chicken are good.I suggest you investigate this line of thought.

  • peter85431
    peter85431

    Posted

    Thank you for that, Barney. I remember having to be careful with my diet while having the radiotherapy treatment, but no one told me that I had to change my diet for life! I'm sure you are right though. I eat all the foods you tell me I shoudn't eat. I will now adjust. Interesting though that a small amount of radiation damage in the lower bowel should upset the entire digestive system.
  • david41094
    david41094 peter85431

    Posted

    I too have just finished a course of 37 IMRT fractions and yes, I have notice increased flatulence. I think diet may be a factor but I also believe that the irritation to the bowel is also to blame. I have noticed that the irritation is reducing and I hope it will disappear altogether. All in all, I am pleased with the very mild side effects.
  • peter85431
    peter85431

    Posted

    Thank you, Helen. I have downloaded the booklet which is excellent. It bears out everything you say, Barney as well as offering an explanation. looks as though I am going to have to change my diet permanently. Good luck to you, David and let's hope you are one of the lucky ones
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.