Radical Cystectomy & Neo Bladder Update 3

[Gareth_G]

Hi all. Just an update.

It is now 5 weeks since i had a Neo Bladder Reconstruction.

I was down the hospital on Monday to have my final catheter removed (urethral).

So, now starting to use my new bladder. As it's a little pouch, i need to empty it every 2 hours, 24/7, for a few weeks. So its setting my alarm every night every 2 hours lol.

But its only temporary until my new bladder begins to stretch, maybe 3 to 4 weeks. Then it goes to every 3 hours then 4 hours, then over a few months back to normal.

It,s still a long recovery 2 to 5 months now,,,,, but im feeling good !!!!!!!!

If i can help anyone with info, please let me know.

Regards Gareth

[hotoz57]

I had the same op and now,six months later sleep right through with a pad and washable pad on the bed for accidents. I make sure not to drink too much before bed and rarely have to get up to go. I am glad i made the decision to get a neo bladder.

[Gareth_G in reply to hotoz57]

Hi. Im also glad i had a neo bladder, but i know its early days for me at the moment. I wear pads throughout the day, at the moment, but left one off this morning. But i did find after about one and a half i had slight leakage, so need to wait a bit longer until my bladder stretch's a bit more.

Hope you are well

Regards Gareth

[Hella2]

Its always a pleasure to read your comments Gareth, always very positive and explain everything well, I am not at your stage and hope that I wont have to have a Neonatal, but should I find that this is an option, I would not hesitate , after hearing your very detailed experience. Hope the rest of recovery goes well, good luck !

[Gareth_G]

Hi Hella.

Thanks for that. I'm only to glad to pass on my experience. As i've always said, keep positive, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Hope all goes well with you..... Take care

[casurvivor1]

I chose urostomy and change it about every 3-4 days a bother but a bag is better than a box