Here is a selection of documents and articles to help you to understand or deal with Pelvic Radiation Disease.
PRDA has compiled a list of clinical guidance and information on Pelvic Radiation Disease for professionals and patients – download here.
Access to public toilets post COVID
Many PRD sufferers must be wondering how you can safely access public toilets post Lockdown. In effect many of you will feel that you cannot go on out without the backup of easily accessible toilets. These have been slow to open up and hygienic maintenance of those which are open is an ongoing problem. Many local councils simply do not have the money to maintain and clean them properly and regrettably hand sanitiser is often stolen. Lockdown Loo is a new website which is compiling locations of toilets which are open. Please submit information about open toilets to them if you can.
PRDA has a few tips to keep you safe:
- Carry your own gloves, sanitiser and wipes.
- Minimise what you touch with your hands.Flush with your elbow if you can.
- Analysis of faeces has shown Covid infection up to two weeks before a person gets symptoms. Always try and flush with the lid down if there is one, this is when most germs are distributed.
- Never use a hand drier.
BE KNOWLEDGEABLE, BE PREPARED
PRDA urges you to write to your MP to raise this ongoing issue for many vulnerable people.
Help with managing PRD
- Exercises for improving bowel control. Patient handout from the GI Unit of the Royal Marsden Hospital. 2007.
- Improving the way your bowel works, for people with constipation. Patient handout from the GI Unit of the Royal Marsden Hospital. 2009.
Medical papers
- The Marsden Algorithm. “The Practical Management of the Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Pelvic Radiation Disease”. Designed to help clinical nurse specialists in conjunction with a gastroenterologist to investigate and treat symptoms following pelvic radiotherapy. Dr J Andreyev et al, published in Frontline Gastroenterology 2014 www.fg.bmj.com.
- The Orbit Trial – Abstract from The Lancet (Sept. 2013). Algorithm-based management of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms after pelvic radiation treatment
- Radiation-induced bowel injury: a neglected problem. James W Denham and Martin Hauer-Jensen – an article published in the Lancet online September 23, 2013.
- Practice Guidance on the management of Pelvic Radiation Disease. Download from Gut – BMJ paper by Dr J Andreyev et al. 2011
- Managing Lower Gastrointestinal problems after cancer treatment: a quick guide for health professionals. Published by Macmillan.
Background Information
- Leaflet for Health Professionals
To order go to the Leaflets page - Why does Pelvic Radiation Disease happen?
- General Information about PRDA
More information is available on our Videos and Links page.
Modified: 22nd June 2020