Rectal Bleeding After Radiation?
I had my last external radiation treatment on March 3rd. 4 months later I had my annual fecal occult blood test, which was negative. 7 months after treatment ended I was on a walk and I suddenly felt wetness in my pants. I reached back and found blood on my hands. Went home and had a blood clot and blood on my underwear. I called the advice nurse and she found that I had no symptoms that would warrant a trip to ER at this time.
Since then, I have had occasional blood in my stool. I am now wearing pads so I can see and catch the blood if it occurs. 2 weeks after the first incident I had another clot and blood on my underwear.
I have read that this could be a "late occurring" side effect of the radiation treatment and could be an ongoing issue.
Has anyone else had this happen and what did you do to resolve the problem?
I had some similar issues. I my case the radiation apparently aggravated hemorrhoids and any strain caused bleeding issues. Since then things have improved on their own.
Please understand I am only offering my experience with a similar procedure - not medical advice. If you are seeing ongoing issues I would consult with a Colon Rectal Surgeon vs relying on a urologist or radiation oncologist. Dennis(ProstateCancer.net TEAM)Thanks for the info Dennis. I think you make a good point about not relying on my urologist or oncologist for this issue. Not really their area of expertise.
Hi
, I had my radiation sessions ended April 2022. In July 2022 had a serious rectal bleeding (burst)for a day and two/three days follow up with smaller drops. Prior to this I had no history of hemorrhoids (colonoscopy in year earlier and prior to cancer did not find any hemorrhoids)…so as per my oncologist recommendation did a colonoscopy couple of weeks ago and result was internal hemorrhoids and inflammation of rectal tissues…) so I agree with Dennis observation as most likely radiation aggravated that area and if there was hemorrhoids it may bursted.. in my case they also did an Endoscopy as well and find abscess of stomach which doc send sample for biopsy… so still no one for sure can say where the hell that bleeding came from.
I’ve posted this in detail and also other symptoms under my thread “Sharing my Radiation Therapy Experience”
All the best in your recoveryThanks
for the information. Makes me feel a little more "normal" as a member of this prostate cancer group. A while back, I took a test (I can't remember what it was for), and one of the incidental findings was that I had internal hemorrhoids. Never thought much about it until you mentioned it. Sounds like a real possibility.
Thanks again for sharing. I am going to check out your thread on your radiation experience. Wish you well in dealing with your recovery also.
