Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem following pelvic cancer therapy, particularly after bladder, prostate and rectal surgery where potency nerves may be damaged. Although not life threatening, ED affects the quality of life and may be detrimental to a relationship. It is, however, treatable in all patients to enable them to have sexual intercourse again.
We have an Erectile Dysfunction service based at the Royal Gwent Hospital. After an assessment and investigations, the treatments offered may include oral medication such as Viagra or Cialis, intraurethral therapy with MUSE, penile injections, vacuum devices, counselling and surgery. All of the above treatments are available on the NHS at this hospital, for the exemption of surgery. However, this will be discussed with you during your clinic appointment.
Please let your key worker/clinical nurse specialist know if you are having any problems and a referral can be made.
Sister Ceri Badham , Sister Faye Jeena , Sister Nyree Jones
Tel: 01633 234980 / 01633 234979
Urinary incontinence after some cancer treatments may gradually get better as the body recovers, but sometimes urinary incontinence is permanent. Radiation therapy to the pelvic area can irritate the bladder and lead to urinary incontinence and some chemotherapy drugs can damage the nerves that control the bladder. Surgery to the pelvic area, can damage muscles or nerves that help control urination.
We have a continence service here at the Royal Gwent Hospital who can support you with continence issues prior to and following cancer treatment, including pelvic floor exercises, botox injections etc. Our 3 continence nurses are:
· Coral Seymour
· Paulette Hussain
Tel: 01633 234976
Macmillan toilet card
The side effects from treatment may mean you have to use the toilet more often, or use the toilet urgently. The uro-oncology team will be able to provide you with a toilet card which you can show quickly and easily to staff in shops, pubs and other public places. It explains that you have a medical condition and need urgent access to a toilet. Please speak to your clinical nurse specialist/keyworker who will be happy to help.
The human body is covered by a special type of drainage system called the lymphatic system. This system is responsible for transporting excess fluid from the organs and tissues of the body in a fluid called lymph. Lymph fluid will contain various types of cells and substances that are no longer needed. The lymph fluid will be transported through the lymphatic drainage system and pass through small nodules or nodes that act as filters. They are responsible for filtering out the unwanted substances. If one lymph node is not able to filter these substances then the lymph fluid will move further along the drainage system. Cancerous cells which break off from an organ which has cancer can also travel in this way and can then affect other areas of the body.
Lymphoedema is swelling that develops because of a build-up of fluid in the body’s tissues. This happens when the lymphatic system, which normally drains fluid away, isn’t working properly. It is a condition that may occur following surgery or radiotherapy to the groin area. Sometimes radiotherapy or surgery to the lymph nodes may compromise the drainage of the lymph fluid in the pelvic area and this in turn causes it to accumulate without being able to drain away normally. Sometimes lymphedema can cause the scrotum or penis to swell.
We have a specialist lymphoedema service based in St Woolos hospital which is accessible to anybody who has lymphoedema via a referral by the clinical team. The service provides expert care which could consist of specialist massages, exercises, skin care, compression bandaging and specialist equipment to help reduce the swelling. Treatment may be given over several months.
Please speak to the clinical nurse specialists/keyworker.
Some patients are entitled to blue badges and financial help (including grants and benefits). We are very lucky to have our own Macmillan Benefits Advisors, Josie James, based at the Royal Gwent Hospital and Leanne McMillan, based at Nevill Hall Hospital. Please speak to your clinical nurse specialist/ key worker to make a referral on your behalf or you can contact Josie/Leanne directly:
· Josie James Tel: 01633 238766.
Alternatively, you can phone the national Macmillan helpline on 0808 808 0000 (open Monday to Friday 09:00 until 20:00).
A cancer diagnosis affects many aspects of life – both for a patient and their loved ones.
Psychological care is highly effective in helping patients deal with the diagnosis as well as physical and emotional side effects of cancer.
Our psychologists within Aneurin Bevan health board are here to help you deal with the emotional side effects of cancer and provide information, support and practical help. Based on your assessment, they will offer you a range of therapy types.
Please ask your clinical team to make a referral if you feel a referral to the team will help and you haven’t been offered.
We have dietitians within ABUHB, who are all experienced to assess and treat a wide range of nutritional issues or concerns that can develop as a result of a diagnosis of cancer or its treatment.
We have dietitians work across the Health Board on multiple sites providing care for cancer patients on acute and rehabilitation wards, in addition to outpatients. Dietitians can advise on the following:
There is a Rapid Access clinic at both the Royal Gwent and Nevill Hall Hospitals where patients can generally see a dietitian within a few weeks of referral.
If you would like a referral to the dietetic team, please let your clinical nurse specialist / keyworker know.
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