Hypnosis

I am sure the choice ahead of you is not appealing, but the procedure is usually a necessity to preserve life, hopefully. I don’t think hypnosis is a rational approach to your situation and I suggest if a decision is in your case imminent, that you get some specialist professional advice.I realise that your situation is stressful, but there is no substitute for professional advice. Leo

Hi Leo, as it stands I'd probably go for stoma because I couldn't handle the self-cath, I'm just exploring ways of making neobladder a more viable option. I doubt professional advice would be sufficient for this purpose

You are entitled to your own opinion, but ignoring professional advice on such a serious choice is not a good idea. Why not discuss it with your local stoma nurse who will have a wealth of experience. Hypnosis cannot be seriously considered in your situation. I am sorry to speak plainly, but this forum is worth nothing unless we cannot speak truthfully, with respect.

all the best Leo

Can hypnosis help possibly yes also possibly no. 

I mean hypnosis can used to treat some things, some people are more susceptible to hypnosis others less so. 

It's not a simple choice to make choosing a new bladder or a stoma, I've red a fair bit up on it myself on here.  Personally for me I think I'd rather have the stoma, rather than another large op and recovery etc and then the hassle of trusting it etc. 

I certainly wouldn't want to be self catheterising myself regularly at all but I guess if need be I'd find a way. 

Everyone is different and what actually works it helps one person may not work or help for another. 

So sorry not a massive help but as said talk to your team looking after you and try and make your decisions based with as much info as you can. 

I have used self hypnosis techniques to reduce anxiety but doubt that I am a good enough subject for hypnosis to be effective during treatment. I found that NHS cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling was eventually effective in helping me to largely overcome my fear (=aversion?) of medical procedures. I've had a Foley long term (12 weeks or a blockage before it is changed) urethral catheter since mid 2018. At first, I managed ok with 12 weeks then a replacement with the District Nurses by appointment at one of their regular catheter clinic days. However, since 2022 my catheter has tended to block anytime between 2 - 10 weeks, meaning that A&E and Same Day Emergency Care at my local hospital is necessary for an unscheduled replacement. With A&E and SDEC waiting time now typically exceeding 4 hours (when blocked and bursting to go!), I have considered doing the replacement myself and may ask to see if I can be given some tuition. I share your dislike of the procedure, so I may not be a suitable pupil. As Leo suggests, talking to the professionals who are handling your care is probably the best route.

Not everyone with neo has to self catheterise, but many hosp do require you to at least learn the technique in case needed. Rather than hypnosis, I would suggest discuss with your team. You may find that a sympathetic nurse will be able to help you manage OK. The catheters are a lot slimmer than the ones used for other urinary procedures & it really is a painless process (particularly once you no longer have a prostate). 

Or, you can choose stoma. You don't always have a choice of neo or stoma, sometimes neo is not possible. Stoma is the default option. There are pros & cons to both options - neo is a lot more work generally at first. Best wishes making a decision, if need be.

Don't be sorry Leo, I agree we should speak plainly on this forum and I thank you for your opinion. 

Thank you. I think I'm a little phobic about inserting things in my penis, basically, and I think I might need a little extra help with that. As you say, if and when the time comes I might not be deemed suitable for a neobladder in any case.

"Personally for me I think I'd rather have the stoma, rather than another large op and recovery etc and then the hassle of trusting it etc" Simon, you got to the heart of the dilemma, so yes it's a helpful post  

Ray that sounds tough. CBT and counselling seems useful. I'm in France - none of that here (to my knowledge), and anyway my French is too poor. How come you've had a Foley since 2002?