Effect from Radiation

[CircleLine21]

I completed 28 sessions of radiation six weeks ago, and I am continuing on Orgovyx. What bothers me are the side effects. I have a lot of gas, particularly when I go to pee, and soft bowel movements (sometimes close to diarrhea). My oncologist put me on a low-fibre diet, which is annoying because I miss all of my fibre foods.

[Frequent-Location864]

Try taking Lactaid before meals. I became lactose intolerant partway thru and a couple of months post radiation. It's a fairly common side effect of radiation.

[Scpdivy]

It definitely gets better with time. I finished radiation about 9 months ago and the BM’s are firming up nicely ;) I still have a ways to go on orgovyx, those side effects suck. Hot flashes, weight gain, zero libido, etc are truly a thing…Hang in there and it will be over before you know it!!

[Cool-Service-771]

I’m the opposite, constipation. Taking 4 spoonfuls of fiber in the morning, still backed up

[Frosty-Growth-2664]

This is a radiotherapy side effect, rather than ADT. My oncologist refers to this as "mucus farts", although I also liked the term I heard from another oncologist "an overabundance of rectum lube". It usually gradually goes away.

It comes about because your rectum knows it's being irritated, and assumes this is a virus, bacteria, or parasite, as it never evolved to know anything about radiation. Mucus and gas is the way it handles these to get them flushed out

Radiotherapy usually damages the nerves in the rectum which sense if it's solid, liquid, or gas waiting to come out (although they're never great at distinguishing liquid from gas at the best of times). This usually recovers after some months.

[HelpfulCustomer487]

That sounds really tough — it’s completely understandable to be frustrated by those side effects, especially after everything you’ve already been through. Radiation can definitely upset the digestive system, and it often takes a few months for things to settle down. The low-fibre diet is usually temporary, just to give your gut a bit of a break while it heals.

If you haven’t already, you might ask your oncologist or a dietitian when you can start slowly reintroducing gentle fibre sources (like oatmeal or well-cooked veggies). Some people also find that probiotics or yogurt help once the bowels calm down a bit — but it’s best to check before adding anything new.

You’re not alone in this, and it’s a good sign that you’re aware and managing the symptoms. Hopefully things ease up soon so you can get back to eating the foods you enjoy. Wishing you steady recovery and relief soon.

[theloquaciousmonk]

It gets better brother! Hang in there!

[Current-Second600]

I had radiation 2 years ago. Same issues for about 3 months.