Recovery time after TURBT

Hi and welcome to the community and our corner of it. We know what a worrying time this must be for you. The early days of uncertainty and not knowing can be hard. A TURBT procedure is a fairly standard op. Everything depends on what they cut away. In most cases it is done in day surgery or maybe an overnight stay. For a few days afterwards it will sting a bit when having a pee, but usually subsides. It is recommended you do no heavy lifting or anything strenuous for at least 2 weeks as you may aggravate the wound, and then just light duties. It takes about 6 weeks for the wound to heal fully. As you are aware, they will take a biopsy and this is usually processed in about 10 days. The waiting, however, is because of the appointments system and 2-3 weeks is about average. Any follow up depends on the path reports. Please feel free to ask any questions, many of us have been there. Best wishes.

I had my1st TURBT 7 weeks ago. I drive a truck 4 our own company. I found it painful to lift even quite light things for 2 weeks or so. Apart from paperwork I stayed away from work as much as possible because I know I would end up pushing a barrow or something.  I went back to driving after the 2 weeks and I found that uncomfortable on rough roads(plenty of them)  I'm 61 and was near 18 stone and used to tyre changing etc.

I just had my 2nd TURBT and I will do the same although I feel it was less severe. Its surely better to have the rest and recover properly I feel.

Hope everything goes well for you.

Hello Plantaholic, liking the name too [I'm one myself]. Only joined last night as my husband had similar to you- he saw it on the screen last autumn and is still on the treatment 'journey'. Having spent a lot of time and effort personally on family and friends' Personal Independence Payment claims[tough to do alone], can I gently suggest you call the Macmillan guys about your financial situation and see what they suggest as to anything at all you might be entitled to, even though you are self employed? they are open 7days. Worth a call. Hardly think you will have any trouble getting necessary doctors letters etc in the circumstances.

best wishes,

Denby.

Thanks rily. Good information allowing me to plan ahead a bit. Seems I may not be able to work for some time. 

Thanks Denby. Will contact Macmillan re financial help. My work is quite seasonal so may be out of commission for rest of bedding plant season. Good luck and best wishes to you both. 

Thanks Pursy. Good advice, I think. Need to drive around 40 minutes to where I am working at the moment and will be difficult to avoid lifting. Hope you are recovering well after your most recent TURBT. I have been told I am fairly likely to have recurring tumours so may have to get used to this. 

I had a long commute & fairly demanding job part time when I had my first TURBT. The anaesthetic takes a while to clear, even though fairly brief - took me 7  - 10 days to feel normal. Also you can expect frequent, painful & possibly urgent urination for several days, gradually improving. Overall I would allow at least 2 weeks to recover from TURBT.

The wait for results is frustrating, but 2 -3 weeks is normal. Hope you get good results.

Hi Plantaholic 1 

It will take around 2 weeks for sure depending on how many they have to take away and their positioning. Whether they leave the indwelling catheter in after the irrigation has come down and how you go with your trial of void after removal. I'm in Australia and was told it would take 10 to 14 days for pathology results but I got a phone call from the urologist after 5 days as soon as she had the results.

Be kind to yourself and wishing you all the best

Debs

Hi Plantaholic1

Just to add my bit, we're all different & recover at our own pace.  I was in hospital for 3 nights after my first procedure, but that was because I couldn't weeeee, eventually they sent me home with a catheter for a few weeks.   Usually I get a UTI after my procedure, that can be anything from getting it the day after the procedure or 2 weeks later.  So just as you think that you're getting there, the dreaded UTI kicks in & that's another few weeks of feeling off colour.  You will probably need to stay near the toilet too, as the bladder can get aggravated after the procedure, & when you move around.  But that's just me.  Don't strain to weeee after whatever you do!!!  You'll probably be fine though as most people are. Sorry I don't mean to be all doom & gloom, it's best to be prepared for what could happen, but probably wont.   All the best for the 14th!