External Urine Catheter

As a female, no, but I am aware of men who have had night continence issues after bladder removal & reconstruction. They use a condom catheter with good success. However, I suspect these need to be supplied from a suitable continence provider  (who might be able to supply some samples) rather than amazon or similar.  Worth asking at urology dept, or via GP.  Best wishes.

Thanks Teasswill

Hi Teaswill

Just as a side note

You say something about "reconstruction" - does it mean a new bladder and is this even possible?

and just as a general question - 

If it ever comes to a situation (he has asked for second opinion and the note has been mentioned that removing the bladder as a last resort by the second doctor) - 

• Do people have their bladder removed and live a comfortable life?
• Would the whole bladder issues get over and done with if it ever was to happen?
• I hate to think this might have to happen - but if it ever has to happen is it worthwhile proceeding?
• Anything else you or someone can add about living without a bladder?
• What scares me is the catherer he had as a temporary fix for incontinence has caused so much pain but if this were to be used as a permanent measure because he won't have a bladder and having to be stuck - no way out - with this causes me great anxiety.

Hi Anon_for_patient 

In answer to your first 3 questions I would definitely say yes in my experience. I have been living without a bladder for almost 4 years. If your bladder is removed, the usual options are a urostomy or neobladder which are completely different. You do not have a catheter in the same way as your relative has had if you don’t have a bladder, so that’s not something to get anxious about,

Sarah xx

Thank you so much Sarah.

Hi,I had my bladder removed over 4 yrs ago and it’s good to be free from constant bladder pain and infections.I had chronic bladder disease for over 30 years prior to bladder cancer.You can have a good life minus a bladder.I would answer yes to your questions.I have a stoma and it wasn’t difficult to adjust to.It becomes part of your life and you soon get into your own routine of caring for it.Jane x

Thank you so much Winders60.

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

The reconstruction is an internal pouch made from a bit of intestine, to serve as a bladder, often referred to as a neobladder. It is extremely complex surgery & requires a lot of effort and learning new techniques to maintain continence and void urine. Not always possible to do, for various reasons. Most people have the standard stoma & bag, even choosing this even if neobladder if offered. Either option enables people to get on with their lives happily.

Bladder removal is a pretty drastic solution, hopefully something better will be suggested by the consultant. Occasionally a supra-pubic catheter is fitted (through the abdominal wall into the bladder), but this has to be renewed from time to time. 

I wonder if there are other solutions to help ease night disturbance eg having a container by the bed to avoid having to get up & visit the toilet.