My husband has recently developed a fistula between hi colon cancer and bladder. One of his remaining pleasures is to go to the pub once or twice a week for a pint or two. This condition seems to be quite rare so I would like to hear from anyone who has learnt to cope with this or advice on the best incontinence pants to hold as much as possible!
Hi Tolu
Thanks for getting in touch with Macmillan Cancer Support. I’m Linda, one of the nurses from our support line. I hope you don’t mind that we moved your post to our Ask a Nurse platform. Because the post sounded more of a clinical nature, we felt it would be best answered here.
I’m sorry to read about your husband and understand that this must be having an impact of his ability to do the things that he enjoys. It sounds like going out for a pint is important to him.
I’m not sure what support your husband has had from the local continence service that covers your area. If he’s not been seen by them, he may be able to self-refer or ask his GP to arrange a referral. The GP practice should be able to advise of the process for accessing the service. If he’s already been seen by them and requires further help, there should be no problem with getting back in touch with them.
Some teams may have information online. If you type where you live in your usual search engine and include continence service, this should take you directly to their online information.
Bladder and Bowel Community can be a really helpful resource too and has some comprehensive information that might be helpful to read.
If you would like to speak with our support line team, we’d be happy to hear from you. We can ask a little more of your husband’s situation to see what further guidance or support could help.
Best wishes
Linda, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref:LM/JF
