I had my bladder removed on 22 February almost 2 weeks ago. Post-op was uncomfortable and sometimes painful, and not what I would call a holiday in the sun. Problems: one day of the raging trots ,folllowed by the exact opposite of 6 days of being unable to poo. The later has,today, seems to have resolved itself, following a strict fruit/veg diet. Extreme weakness and tiredness has been another problem, but this is very slowly improving. The wound was leaky at the lower end, but dressings are changed daily. I have tried to get out for very short walks, but it takes me 12 minutes to walk (sorry, shuffle) 200 metres - my usual walking pace is 3-4mph. The constipation resulted in the feeling of a very tight, painful, abdomen. I am on a course of self-injections - a bit tricky at first. It sometimes seems impossible that I will ever return to a normal, very active,life, but the staples holding the wound, and the small catheters in the stoma, are due to be removed on Tuesday 09.03. I haven't changed a bag on my own yet, but I regard that as the least of my worries at the moment. On Tuesday the doctor will also tell if the cancer has been eliminated or if it is still present. I recommend a no sugar diet based on fruit, veg, and pulses.
The worst thing about the entire experience was the noise in the hospital with many patients behaving with total disregard for others, by talking loudly for hours on end, yakking into phones often into the early hours of the morning, and general anti-social behaviour. Hospitals are not pubs or bars; they are places were patients should expect a calm, quiet, relaxing, and stress free environment that fosters the healing process. The fact that this atmosphere of healing tranquillity is no longer respected is a disgrace and a scandal.
Hi Veteranrunner. Good to know you got through it ok. It is probably understandable how you are feeling at the moment after such a big op. I know what you mean about hospitals. I was only in for four days and people were screaming and shouting all night. Bit scary at times. I hope your recovery goes well. Best wishes.
