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My brachy was in 2007. Had terrible pain for about 18 weeks felt like I was passing barb wire when I peed. Flomax and Ibuprofin did not help at all. Radiation uncologist prescribed lyrica and it was of no use. Only time helped. The discomfort and pain will go away. Never thought mine would. It was so bad that I had hemorrhoids and ripped inguinal hernias as I could not void and strained terribly to do so. I now need hernia operation to correct them. Time will heal the effects of the radiation. My side effects have been horrible, but my PSA's have been great (very low).
I've been to hell and back twice on this matter and think that finding ways to promote blood circulation through the area is a key.
Sexual activity, exercise, and diet can help to accomplish this.
No matter how accurate the placement, there is no way to predict that one or more may end up next to a blood vessel or nerve that may cause prolonged or delayed discomfort/damage.
Depending on the isotope used, the initial recovery time to tolerable varies. 12 weeks or more would not be unusual. Some of the more lucky guys notice little discomfort within a couple weeks. - p (Alaska, USA)
Elena ... I had seeds implanted in 10/07 and 30 days later began an 8 week course of external beam radiation.
I suffered with the exact same symptoms and even had to stop working for a few weeks. When the radiation treatments ended I asked the Oncologist how long it would be before I found some relief.
She told me I would see significant recovery in about three months. That didn't happen. I stayed on Flomax for about a year and did finally see some relief, but, it took two years before I felt "normal".
Please understand that everyone may respond to treatment differently, but that's my story.
