Bladder Removal

Hello Veteranrunner and let me welcome you to the group. I have not had RC so not much help. I am sure someone will be along to share experiences, but I believe most people carry on pretty much as normal. Wishing you well with your op.

Hello Veteranrunner

I am now 67, had my bladder out 4 years ago and have a stoma plus bag too. I continue to lead a very active life, sail, boat, bike, walk, swim and am very fit. The only difference is that I take a change of bag, wipes, adhesive remover and the other bits n bobs with me when I go out and I avoid lifting or shoving anything over 25kgs.

I have some tips about stoma life if you would like them.

CB

Thank you!

Thank you...very encouraging! What was the post-op recovery period like? How long did it take you to get back to normal: shopping, chores, and later, your outdoor life? The early days of recovery I suspect are not a holiday in the sun!

Hi Veteranrunner,I had a cystectomy 15mths ago.I found the recovery process slow.After 8 mths I felt much better and was able to return to caring for my disabled mother full time.This has taken its toll though and lately I have not been feeling as well as I did in the summer.However I am still gardening and doing the usual household chores.Our garden is very long and terraced and the house on 4 floors so there has been plenty of walking since the surgery.I was able to walk to the shops after a few weeks though I did get tired.I had a rarer type of cancer and was very ill by the time of the surgery but I came through it with only one bowel complication.You sound fit and that should help with your recovery.I have had no problems adjusting to life with a stoma.I wish you well with your cystectomy.Love Jane

Thank you. That is encouraging. I wish you well.

Hi Veteranrunner

I have a stoma called Basil named after Basil of Fawlty Towers.  I had my op in March 2020.  Having Basil is fine by me. He saved my life.  Recovery is slow but I feel back to normal now. You sound extremely fit which will help in recovery.

Good luck 

Inanna

My experience was a 1 in 500 patient one as I had many complications so it took me a year to get back to normal. As a rule of thumb, it takes a month for every hour of surgery so say an average of 6 months to feel normal again. You will find that there are incremental improvements daily but the first few weeks are those when you will need help at home with the basics like food preparation.

Thank you! I really appreciate the help and advice people are giving me. Perhaps I'll call mine Manuel for good service!  L

Thank you so much for your advice. I am feeling much more confident now. I am ready for a long recovery but I'll make it   VR