I have been to see my surgeon & have been told that to only thing to be done is to remove the lot. That means having a stoma and bag. Would be grateful to anyone who has gone though this to comment on this experience.
Thank, you all sound so confident, it very reassuring
Engineer46 the title of this thread made me smile - thank you. But if you wish to edit the title the forum edit tools allow you to do it Leo
Hi Engineer46. I agree with all the comments that other friends on the forum have made. I had my radical cystoprostatectomy 10 weeks ago and am making a good recovery. I have a stoma and it’s not a problem at all. It does need getting used to initially but you’ll have support from your local stoma care team. Best wishes.
Many thanks. It is good to know that so many people care.
Thank you for your advice and I hope you are ok
Hi Engineer
I had a Radical Cystectomy carried out at the end of September. I was advised that this operation is the equivalent of running a marathon, so get yourself in shape. One of the consultants I saw recommended that I should take a brisk hour’s long walk twice a day, every day leading up to the operation. Physiotherapy to strengthen your ‘core’ was also strongly encouraged.
I had keyhole surgery with a large robotic element. Recovery has been easier than I had expected; remember this is major surgery, which will involve a loss of sexual function as well as a urinary diversion to a urostomy bag. Expect to be in hospital for a minimum of 5 days (I was in for 12).
The urostomy bag is easy to adapt to, although be aware you will have leaks; I now change my bag daily (I used to try & keep my bag for 2 days - if I was to get a leak it was always on the second day) & always carry a change of clothes, spare bags, wipes etc.. if I leave the house!
I’m sure you’ll be grand!
Best wishes
Gareth
Thanks Gareth. I am waiting for my date, the surgeon said it will be early January so wait & hope it all goes well. Not looking forward to it though. Surgeon seems very confident though.
Normal to be nervous; I was! Luckily the surgeons do the tricky bit!
Urostomy bag generally not visible under clothes, but I have taken to wearing braces; very useful as I would end up squeezing the bag with a belt.
Best wishes for January
Gareth
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