Had a small hernia berfore HDR Brachy/ never addressed it

Has anyone every heard of HDR Brachy (or any RADIATION TREATMENT-not surgery) creating a painful reaction from a supposedly dormant hernia (left side). This cropped up in the last four-five days. I did have sex for the first time since my treatment (twice) and I am wondering if that could have been the cause of this noticeable pain. It is clearly situated in the left testicle/scrotum and moves into the left pelvic area.

Also, I did have my first visit back with my RO yesterday since the treatment and he indicated that while I may be having a few more urinary problems than most that have this treatment, I am still on target with a good recovery overall.

Regarding the pain in the testicle/scrotum/pelvic area he said I should call the URO if it persists as this is not the field of expertise for a RO. I have been taking ibuprofen and hot baths and now icing the area..... how long should I wait till I call the URO......???? this feels like a snowball rolling downhill just gathering new problems along the way.....

Thanks

BENSAM

BenSam,

I've had three inguinal hernia repairs. All were due to heavy lifting, and all of them pretty much had the symptoms your described. I'd go to the doctor (surgeon not necessarily a uro) and get their opinion. It takes a bit of time to recover from the surgery. Kinda like a RP but no catheter. Since they are stitching (or meshing) the stomach muscles back together, no heavy lifting for a while.

I can not imagine how the brachy procedure might have aggravated your hernia. I'm not saying it is not possible ..... just my uneducated opinion that it was something else.

hernias are typically done by a general surgeon. I got a referral to one through my GP (or maybe your URO knows a good one). The surgeon I went to was very familiar with the problem of working on a man who's gone through radiation. Just tell the surgeon about it. In my case it limited the kind of procedure and where he put the mesh, but didn't prevent him from fixing it.

The whole thing ended up taking a month out of my life, but at least I am pain free in that area now.

Andrew

BenSam,
If indeed your groin pain is coming from an existing inguinal hernia I would get to a general surgeon asap. It`s possible it is strangulating. Good luck.
1snake

That makes some sense. Better that than having to be attacked by a surgeon.

hopefully the cipro resolves it.

Andrew