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Iain's Story

Ethnicity
White British
Age
50-59
Work
Retired
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Geography
Scotland
Relationship status
Married/In a Civil Partnership
Listen

Radiotherapy

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

This was relatively short-term (during and for a few weeks post-radiotherapy), but it disrupted my sleep pattern significantly. I often had to visit the toilet upwards of five times during the night. Medication for a month relieved the symptoms greatly. I avoid caffeine wherever possible.

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

I'm just waiting for my treatment to end before dealing with this.

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

Wait gain is a big issue. Hormone treatment alters body fat distribution and the steroids seem to have also given me a voracious appetite. I exercise daily to try and keep this under control, but it is very difficult to defeat. The accompanying lethargy makes it doubly difficult to keep up an exercise regime.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

I was relatively young (55), very fit and active when diagnosed. The treatment makes me feel as if I've aged twenty years, I really struggle with strength and stamina and feel quite tired much of the time. I also struggle to focus mentally on complex tasks and this impacts my ability to work. All of this is quite frustrating, but I cope with it. Diet control and exercise are key. Hot flushes are persistent and extremely irritating. They wake me at night and cause general inconvenience during the day. I experience them several times a day/night. I take sage supplements, but it's difficult to say whether or not they alleviate the problem.

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

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

The treatment thus far has saved my life and the side-effects, although majorly inconvenient, are things I can deal with.

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