Turbt - what to expect afterwards

Hi I’ve just had this about 5 weeks ago and wasn’t told a lot after about what to be aware of by the hospital, I can not tell you of my own personal experience. So I went in at 1 o’clock and was discharged from the hospital at 20:30 only after passing a certain amount, since then it’s been quite awkward as the anaesthetic has not agreed with me and I’ve had constipation for a few weeks now so I’ve been given laxatives, I’m not sleeping very well as it can irritate the bladder, so I’m going to the toilet every hour for the whole 24 hour day, I’m on week 6 now and that’s not changed as it turns out I’ve now got prostatitis which is inflaming the area around where I’ve had the operation so I’ve been given tablets to sort and hopefully once that gets sorted the rest will fall in line, I’m currently having mytomycin every Monday, currently on week 2 of 6, all I can say is if there’s any issues flag it straight away, don’t suffer and think it will go away on its own. As I say these are my problems, I hope he sails through it as we all have a different way of dealing with things biologically, hope he gets through it ok

Hi RoobyRed04b9d4 . Good to know dad has his TURBT procedure booked. If all goes smoothly without any issues, he may be home the same day or maybe an overnight stay. He will wake up with a catheter. This will be removed before he goes home but sometimes people are sent home with a catheter in. In general, people can take care of themselves as long as they take things easy for a while. It may be wise if you can look after him for a few days because sometimes people have a delayed reaction to anaesthetic. It will be slightly painful for a few days when peeing and there may be some signs of blood. This is normal as long as not excessive. It is important he drinks up to 2 litres of water a day in order to flush any debris out. Some people recommend a touch of lemon barley to help getting the water down. I am sure others will have some suggestions. Best wishes.

Thank you for sharing this, Peter. 

Hi Rooby, sorry your here with us, but this is a fantastic site of people going through the same thing as your Dad…

so had my First TURBT last year, I ended up spending the night in hospital with a catheter in…the consultant came around and told me what( if any, ) side effects may occur..was told to just take it easy for a few days…no heavy lifting ect…

apart from being a bit sore when peeing no problems for me…everyone is different though…maybe just keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn’t overdo things… I hope everything goes well for you all from here on in…

Nigel 

Everyone is different when it comes to operations of course, age and fitness and any underlying medical issues can make the experience very different. 

A TURBT is classed as a minor operation in general, cystoscope down the old fella and done from the inside. 

As to how invasive a procedure again it really depends on how much needs to be resected and how deeply. 

But as for general stuff most things are fine as long as taking it easy and not overdoing it with lifting etc. 

My first few days at home were awful but mainly due to stinging while passing urine and an awful pain in my left side but that seemed to be due to where my tumour was and having a stent fitted as well. After the first 5 or so days things settled down mostly. Until I overdid things like going on holiday and back to work after with the stent still in. Once I had my stent out everything was back to normal. 

Expect blood when urinating it can very normal drink plenty to flush the bladder out and try to avoid caffeine and drinks that can irritate the bladder. Water and lemon barley or cranberry juice is also advised. 

I was on pain relief when I left hospital for a while and they did help so no idea what I'd have been like without an pain meds at all in those first few days. 

Please don't be scared hearing things like this it does vary person to person as I said. But certainly take it easy for a good 6 or 7 weeks doing nothing too strenuous, but everything else he should be fine. 

Some have hardly any recovery problems and others like myself do. 

I appreciate all the info. It’s really helpful. Thank you. 

Hi,Tell your dad to avoid any heavy lifting for about 6 weeks.I made the mistake of moving some heavy boxes a month after a TURBT and ended up in A & E with a bladder haemorrhage.I never found TURBT’S that bad.A hot water over the bladder can help with any discomfort,painkillers if needed and plenty of fluids to keep the bladder flushed.I hope it goes smoothly.Best wishes Jane 

It's good to have all sides of stories, like I said many have very little issue or pain but some like in my case did. But a lot was down to the stent as I said I believe and just the location of where the tumour was resected. The following 2 removals were no where near as bad but smaller and even multiple removed the 3rd time. 

I’m younger (56) and a woman. I stayed in overnight and had a catheter in til the next day.  I did have a few issues with an overactive bladder (wanting to pee but not much coming out) . This gradually improved over 2 weeks before I was fully back to normal. I didn’t need any pain relief after a day. Had s bit of itching when I passed pee for a fortnight but that’s about it. 

Had TURBT on 5 Sept. here in Florida. In and out same day. Catheter for three days. Only discomfort when peeing, which is frequent, but minor pain is subsiding. Awaiting treatment plan once biopsy sample tested for suitability for BCG. I should know in next few days.

Doc told me to take it easy for a week, but then go back to riding my bike. I'm male 84.

I've been travelling, so first 25 mile bike ride will be tomorrow. I hope Depend fits into my cycling shorts:-)