Andrew's Story

Ethnicity
White British
Age
70-79
Work
Retired
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Geography
South East
Relationship status
In a relationship

Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy

Tips and advice for any bladder or bowel side effects of treatment

The problem with urinating was temporary, though I have needed tamsulosin (capsule on alternate days rather than daily) since. The problem with unpredictable leakage started after 4 years (2021). I have had to wear a pad as a precaution since.

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

The loss of libido only lasted while I was on hormone therapy (less than 2 years). There is probably some difficulty in keeping an erection. Maybe just old age. There is no ejaculate. Pronbly a plus feature!

How this treatment impacted my life the most

The two long-term side effects are leakage of urine and permanent diarrhoea. The unpredicatble leakage necessitates wearing a pad. The diarrhoea has increased the frequency of bowel movements from 1 to 2+ a day. There is also urgency to avoid leakage.

If I had to do it all over again, would I choose the same treatment?

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

I was offered the alternative of radical prostatectomy. The benefit may have been unaffected bowel function. The downside of urinary incontinence and impotence seemed worse.

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