Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Radiation Enteritis

My mother is  73yo post uterine cancer with subsequent chemo and radiation therapy.  It is nearly a year since the completion of her radiation.  She has been diagnosed with radiation enteritis.  Is presently on Nexium following a bout of vomiting and diarrhea, weight loss.  She has had endoscopy, colonoscopy and a capsule study all of which revealed irritation and inflammation, no strictures.  She has been following the standard radiation enteritis diet. She has always experienced banding discomfort with intermittent sharp pain in her lower abdominal area, always accompanied by a loud "gurgling" noise (sounds like a drain unclogging).  This occurs daily after lunch and lasts until well after dinner hours.  The discomfort does not keep her awake, nor does it wake her up during hours of sleep.  She generally has one soft formed stool in the morning.  However, there are intermittent episodes (days, or weeks apart) of diarrhea with voluminous flatulence once or twice in the morning.  She has been treated with Xanax/mylicon which offered no relief.  Bentyl as prescribed following capsule study-no strictures noted, with no relief.  GI and Gyn/Oncology are unfamiliar with this and have found no solution to the issue.  Does anyone have any experience with this or thoughts for possible relief?
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I too have post radiation enteritis which occurred after acute radiation enteritis had resolved.  I took probiotics thinking that the radiation probably killed a lot of good bacteria-No, NO.  The radiation caused an increase in bacteria and the probiotics made everything start up again.  Now I have a chronic problem.  Probiotics are good things but not for post radiation patients, at least, until the increased flora has abated.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You may want to consider the use of probiotics. There have been several studies published in the last few years suggesting the usefullness of probiotics in radiation enteritis.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Gastroenterology Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn which OTC medications can help relieve your digestive troubles.
Is a gluten-free diet right for you?
Discover common causes of and remedies for heartburn.
This common yet mysterious bowel condition plagues millions of Americans
Don't get burned again. Banish nighttime heartburn with these quick tips
Get answers to your top questions about this pervasive digestive problem