I had to see my GP last week. I've been experiencing a lot more pain when passing urine, bad stinging sensation and I've been running to the loo much more often and with much much more urgency.
I'd previously spoken to Claire, my Brachytherapy nurse at St Richards, and I was taking Ibuprofen three times a day after meals but these haven't helped with this stinging. I took a urine sample which didn't show and infection but as a precaution this was tested in the lab but nothing showed up.
The pain is better and I'm pleased to say that I haven't had the same urges to run to the loo. It's difficult to talk about incontinence but I want men to be aware that there are drawbacks with any type of treatment following the Prostate Cancer diagnosis and treatment. Luckily I haven't had any accidents but have come close (sometimes very close) many times. I carry a small supply of incontinence pads just in case.
Quite by chance I saw a twitter message from Macmillan Cancer Support @macmillancancer about a card which you can use to request the use of toilet facilities. The card is supplied free of charge. I haven't had to use it yet but it does give some peace of mind. I've also ordered a 'Radar' key, also from Macmillan, to enable me to use disabled toilet facilities. The charge for this is £4.50
It's very frustrating when you go to a public toilet (railways station etc) and find it locked with a opening time shown (07.00 - 21.00).
I've been drinking some extra Cranberry Juice and I've found that this does help. My doctor did suggest that I could have mild Cystitis and I know the juice helps that.
Work has been very busy and this November has been my busiest month ever. Some very interesting events for CTF, CVS & Eclipse. I've been helping CTF with their LED panel displays, doing two large walls for the World Rugby Awards and a single large wall for a major company AGM. With each panel weighing over 11 kgs it's a good workout each time we build a wall. I think this has helped because apart from my waterworks I feel really good. That's all for now apart from telling you that my blog has been viewed over 2000 times.
