Newbie

Hello Rob

sorry to hear your news. The TURBT procedure sounds frightening but is nothing to worry about really. I opted to stay awake during the procedure having a lumbar injection instead. Painless procedure took 45 minutes, an uncomfortable night in hospital then biopsy results will follow. Good luck

Garviv

Hi Garviv, 

Thanks for the reply. It intrigued me why they offered general or lumber - can you shed some light on this?

Thanks Rob

Hello Rob

It was my choice.I requested a lumbar injection at my Pre Op. The nurse asked the notes were passed to the anethiatist. No Problem! I chose lumbar to keep control I suppose. It was an option. The surgeon removed my tumour and the biopsy revealed Grade 2 cancer. Again I made choices to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy rather than surgery. Twelve months later I am well and have to have cystoscopy every four months to  make sure all is well which will increase to every six months following my next cystoscopy in May/June.

My advice for what it is worth is to get as much information from your medical team and the wonderful Macmillan community and make and insist your wishes are paramount. Resist the temptation to Google.

Regards

Garviv

Hi Garviv,

Thanks for the replies. Could I ask you about recovery time after the procedure, either advised or personal experience. I now have a surgery date and am wondering what indication I can give to my employer. 

With thanks

Rob

Hi Rob.c . Hope you don't mind me offering an answer as I am online. Recovery really depends on how severe what they have to cut away. My first TURBT, I was in hospital for 4 days, but that is unusual . My two follow ups, I was an overnight and then just several hours. As always, people are different. You should expect some discomfort when peeing for a few days. In my case, I was back to normal within two weeks, but some people take a lot longer to recover. It also depends on what your job is. Nothing strenuous is recommended for several weeks. It usually takes 6 weeks for the wound to heal and the there will be follow ups depending on biopsy results. Best wishes.

Hi rily, 

Thanks for your input. I know from previous experience that nothing is absolute but the individual experiences slowly build up the possible - or maybe not!?!

All the best

Thanks Rob 

Hi Rob, 

Every time I had surgery I always found every surgeon had different ideas. Most said 2 weeks, one of them said 3 days! Absolutely no way was 3 days ok so I said that before it's always been 2 weeks. I would kind of push for that if possible. 

I think the problem with some of my surgeons was that they usually deal with older retired people so don't come across younger working age people. Times have changed though as this forum will show you , many more younger people now. 

Good luck I hope it goes well and you recover quickly.

I think recovery time depends a lot on how much they have to remove & how deep they go into the bladder wall, as well as how you react to the anaesthetic. You can expect some frequency of urination (which in itself can be quite painful) for several days so it also depends on your type of work. I needed a good 10 - 14 days to feel fit for work after my first TURBT.

Hope all goes smoothly for you.

Thanks all for the replies.

I have already said to my employer, put me down for a week off and once I have had the procedure and have more relevant information we'll make adjustments.

I thankfully work for incredible owners who have always been selfless with my state of health, having employed me after my first cancer diagnosis.

As stated before, I know each individual experience is unique but the information gives me a little bit to work with.

Thanks

Rob

Hi Rob. I also had a great employer and was fortunate to be paid while off work. Just remember, this is a one step at a time procedure. Take each step at a time. Best wishes.