Mental health experiences following radical cystectomy

Hi AnonymousCarer,Welcome to the group.I did go through a period of depression during the recovery period.I think this is fairly common from reading other people’s experiences on here.I think it was because the recovery was so slow and I got frustrated that I didn’t feel better.Once I relaxed a bit and went with the mood it was ok and I adapted to it.I started drawing and painting and took up genealogy again,read a lot,listened to music and watched tv.My recovery started during the first pandemic lockdown and this was partly why I found it hard.My mother who I had cared for at home was in respite care in a home.I wasn’t able to see her.My partner who has a rare muscle disease had to shield so I couldn’t see him either.I only saw my sister once a week on the doorstep when she dropped off my groceries.I did get lonely and spent a lot of time in this group.Sleep wasn’t a problem for me as it was much improved by having a night bag.Pre op the tumour was causing an obstruction and I was going every 10 minutes or so in the night.I remember one of the doctors in hospital saying that mood swings are not uncommon following major surgery.I found the first couple of months post op were the worst for feeling depressed.Once I had got to month 4 I felt much better mentally and physically.Best wishes Jane 

Jane, thanks so much for taking the time to reply. It’s very much appreciated and helpful. All the best!

I’m always happy to help if I can.Best wishes Jane

Hi and welcome. It's my impression that any general anaesthetic, especially deep/long ones, causes unpredictable depressive etc effects. I've never heard any medic consider this.

best, Denby