Bladder removal

Hello Wilson73 . Not had this procedure myself, but just let me welcome you to the group. Several members here have experience of this and I am sure will be along to help. I hope all goes well with mum. Best wishes.

Hello wilson73 and welcome 

I had my bladder removed at the end of February this year. As the consultants will make you aware this is major surgery with an extensive recovery period. I now have a stoma which replaced my bladder and iam living with it quite happily. It does require some lifestyle changes but overall my quality of life has not changed much.

Your mother will be given all information and practical advice about changing the stoma bag ( iam assuming that this the course she is taking rather than a neo bladder) while in hospital. The fact that you are looking after her is a plus. Recovery can be long and assistance is required for a while post op. 

I know it's difficult not to be overwhelmed I was myself when I was told I had to have the operation but it quite manageable. There is nothing to fear from this operation or post op lifestyle. 

Please let us know closer to the time when the members here will give you all the advice for hospital and post op support. 

Best wishes 

Mark

Hello Wilson73,Welcome to the group.I was T3b too and had bladder removal nearly 6 years ago.

It is a big operation and recovery can take a few months but as Mark says it is manageable.

I was very unwell and in pain pre op and felt so much better once the bladder came out.I hope your mum will feel the same.

Your mum will feel very tired after the surgery but over time energy levels do pick up.

It’s best to rest and eat little but often.Build up walking distances gradually.

Please feel free to ask any questions as there are several of us on here managing good lives post cystectomy.

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed but we are all here to help and offer support and advice.

Best wishes Jane 

If your Mum was fit and healthy recently, that will stand her in good stead for the surgery & recovery. She will be in hospital a few days to a week (depending if robotic or open surgery) minimum. Initially she will feel extremely weak and tired, will do little more than sit and rest, but it is important to gradually build up walking (even if a slow shuffle) a little more each day. Best not to push too hard, just go at the pace body dictates - full recovery takes months, not weeks. 

There are various different issues that can complicate recovery, but feel free to ask here if anything crops up, rather than worry about what might or might not happen. Best wishes.