I didn't have constipation but did have aggravation of
pre-existing hemorrhoids.  The radiation damages the
lining of the rectum, resulting in increased pain or
itching or irritation.  It's like having sunburn in the rectum.

I got some relief from the pain and irritation with a
generic Preparation H ointment, but that won't help
the constipation.

I believe the main source of hard stools is in the colon,
far away from any radiation.  So I'd think the causes
there are unrelated to radiation and treatment is
whatever you usually do for constipation.

   Alan

Bob-

I had 5 weeks of EBRT and then HDR brachy.  Before the external beam,
the radiation oncologist told me to expect horrible diarrhea, but not
to worry - they'd give me all kinds of meds to deal with it.  Half way
through the 5 weeks (during July/August 2005) I became constipated and
still am.  Have been taking OTC stool softeners and they sort of work.
A few months ago I started bleeding when moving my bowels - it looked
like I was having my period (am also on HDT - LOL).

Doc gave me enough presciption Anusol suppositories for 20 days, and
voila! at the end of the 20 days the bleeding stopped.

To answer your question:  I have no doubt my constipation is due to the
EBRT.

-Gordy

If you had any pre-existing symptoms, they would likely be
exacerbated, more so by the Seeding.

I had 5 wks EBRT, 3 sessions of HDRB, July 2005, plus a TURP 11 mths
from the temp seeding.

The last op has caused me the most problems.
If I take meds to calm urethral pain and incontinence, they last for 4
hrs and then the cycle returns, due to the meds causing the calming.
To clear the chute, I have to take Actilax (orally) or in extreme
cases, use Glycol Suppositories. (I get both of these on
prescription.)

See your GP (PCP) for your own suggested plan. If you have any bad
markers in your stools, a Colonoscopy may be in order.

HTH


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-- CC

Did you get constipation before your treatment?
Did your diet change after RT? If both answers are "No", SOMETHING has
changed, but I wouldn't just assume it was the RT, because that makes
little sense to me.

I know studies have shown that fluid and fiber intake do not correlate
with constipation, but I say, "BS!", at least in my case, and at least
one physician/author/researcher agrees. According to Dr. Gabe Mirkin and
to my colon, insufficient fluids -- especially after a big meal --
and/or too much refined flour products (e.g., white/enriched bread and
pasta) can plug us up, and often leads to misdiagnoses of IBS.

I.P.