Recovery time after a TURBT

Hi and welcome to the group. It can take up to 6 weeks for the wound to heal, depending on how deep they had to go. In general it is recommended not to do any heavy lifting or anything strenuous for at least 2 weeks. There is always a chance of aggravating the wound. It is easy to fall in to a false sense as security as you may feel well, but if a wound was on the outside where you can see it, you would be more aware. You need to keep drinking plenty of water, 2/3 litres a day,  to keep things flushes out and help prevent infection. Something they don't always tell you is that after about 10 days, the scab starts to break away as part of the natural healing process. You may notice some blood and blood clots. This is normal, but can give you a scare if not expecting it. Again, lots of water. Best wishes.

Hi,Welcome to the board.I think you should be taking it easy for a few days.I would advise avoiding any heavy lifting,bending or stretching for a few weeks.You need to drink plenty of fluids,preferably water as this will help to flush out the bladder and avoid infection.If you are in pain you should be resting up.A bit of bleeding and passing bits is common but if the bleeding is very heavy seek medical advice.It’s rare but possible to have a bladder haemorrhage some weeks after a turbt.I overdid it once and had one exactly a month after the procedure.I’m suprised you weren’t given any information regarding the Turbt.I used to find a hot water bottle was helpful for pain and some people use wheat bags.I hope you have got someone to do your housework for the time being.Take care,love Jane

Hi scb

I actually rest for about 2 weeks as I feel that I need it, I'm usually the sort of person that doesn't usually keep still either.  Drink plenty of water, eat as you feel able to, relax a lot, watch rubbish TV .... just walk around the home at regular intervals if you feel up to it.  I do try to do stuff but I tend to have vertigo after the op too so rest is best for me.  But we're all different.  Take care, hope you feel better soon xxx

Thank you Jane.  This is very useful.  My husband has dementia, so I have to do the work in the house, but am trying to break it dow into pieces.  I am going to try the hot water bottle; I was thinking that might help but worried it might do harm!  I usually go to the gym every day but as everything is on hold anyway, I have not been doing much, especially now after the surgery!

Thanks so much for this; how often have you had TURBTs? I was hoping that was it! I am not good at resting, specially as my husband has dementia, and needs a good bit of care himself.  Nightmare.....

Thank you rily, this is helpful and scary at the same time!  Very useful info about the scabbing.  Why don't hospitals tell you this kind of thing.  

It must be difficult if you are caring for your husband.I normally care for my disabled mother so I know how hard it can be juggling housework and caring after procedures.I just leave the heavier tasks after a Turbt.love Jane xx

Hi scb I'm afraid having TURBTs does happen more often than anyone wants, but in my experience the initial one was the most debilitating. I stayed overnight in hospital and I felt I needed a week really taking it easy. I live alone but I had help with heavy jobs. I had a second TURBT 6 weeks after my first, which is common so they can check everything was removed. This didn't involve a catheter and I felt much less affected. Since then I've had two further TURBTs after reocurrences. These TURBTs haven't involved hospital stays and neither has involved a catheter. I have felt fine to come home the same day though they do insist I have someone staying with me the first night. I think I would have strug'gled to be a carer for anyone else for a couple of days afterwards. It took all my resources to look after myself, and thats with me mainly sitting on a sofa watching box sets eating readimeals. Can you get support to care for your husband when you are having treatment? I think it could make things easier for you. Best wishes x

Hi  scb, as others have said you do need to take it easy for a couple of weeks to avoid any complications.

You should get an appointment to see the consultant in about 3 weeks to discuss the results of your biopsy.Of course this maybe longer in view of the present virus situation.
 Depending on the grade etc you may need further treatment or just follow up cystoscopies.
Unfortunately bladder cancer does have a high recurrence rate but be assured that it can be treated successfully as others on this forum will tell you.

Best wishes Luce x

Hi scb. In our house my husband is the one with bladder cancer. but about a month ago, my right ankle went into meltdown. I've surprised myself just how many tasks I can do at least half sitting on a tall kitchen stool, even washing up. So if you're not already doing this, it's worth a try to make your work less strenuous. And if possible, put your feet right up whenever you stop for a cuppa.

Also I just heard a mention on Radio 4 of a whole lot of music playlists designed to help people with dementia

https://www.playlistforlife.org.uk/bbc-music-memories/

which could perhaps be of use if you're not already using the idea.

Best wishes

Denby