Bladder removal

My daughter was horrified that he will have to wait 8 weeks plus but the spin i have put on this is that it gives him time to step up his fitness and really get as fit as he can be before the surgery

They sound like fun - maybe we should try. Husband started off in squash and I did a little too. I guess there's more time to react with panel & pickelball.

Hi.  I think we are going to have to adjust how we travel but nothing is insurmountable.  Very valuable advice.  Much appreciated

Honestly pickleball is great fun and getting really popular and you dont need to be athletic to participate.  Padel is massive in Spain so we tend to play that when we are there at our holiday place.

That is the way to look at it.I was too ill to get fit beforehand and the surgery was life saving but recovery protracted.The fitter your husband can get the better.The night bag is a welcome bonus of having a stoma.Pre op I was up every 10 to 15 minutes every night for several weeks and it’s brilliant to be able to sleep through the night now.Once you know what stoma supplies will be needed and we all use different makes of bags you will get a better idea of what space you will require.I keep supplies on a couple of shelves in the bathroom.Jane x

My daughter got me 2 big plastic boxes with clip-on lids -  35ltrs each - just looked. There is a lot of kit because we order enough for 1 or 2 months, depending how often you change your bag. 1 box is on a shelf in the bathroom so I can grab things easily. The other could be elsewhere though mine is beside the first. I move stuff up as I use it. They should be somewhere cool and shady.

It all becomes very routine so don't worry.

And I haven't been emotional at all about the cancer, op or treatment. We're all different. My main aim was to get rid of the tumour then get back to normal ASAP. The family were a great help in that and I've always preferred to laugh rather than cry black humour - kept us sane. But I have made sure we all know what's going on. If I needed to vent I could, just haven't.

All the best,

Latestart

My aim was to get back to normal too so it was a suprise to feel emotional post op.

Hi pillar 

Just one think to add. You will get all the pre op advice from the hospital and all the advice about the stoma from the stoma nurses. In my case and iam sure with other group members who have had an RC their advice was invaluable.  But there can be no better advice than from those who have had the operation and all that goes with it and this is were this group comes into its own in pre and post op advice. Stick with us and we'll do our best to see you and your husband through it.

Best wishes 

Mark

I agree Mark.This group got me through the surgery and the death of my mother.

Hiya. I replied to your post earlier but didn’t get posted so my reply again!!! I had my RC with ileal conduit last September and living a very normal life now. I’m currently in Spain with family as we have a holiday home here too. No problem with travelling as you will have extra baggage allowance for the medical supplies. Make sure you have your consultant’s supporting letter and ring the airline for extra baggage in advance. Unfortunately people with stoma get stopped and body searched at the security but that’s no problem as the staff are very understanding, discrete and respectful. It’s very hot here but I’ve had no problem with my bags or adhesives. I’m not wearing my hernia prevention belt here due to the heat and sweating and wearing my normal loose summer clothes with no issues. I’m driving, walking etc. as usual. Haven’t done any swimming yet but have full plans to join in with the family soon! Make sure to bring in extra supplies to avoid hassle. If you are using Milton (as some of us do to sterilise bags, adapters etc), please bring the tablets as they don’t sell it in Spain. All the very best with surgery and postop recovery. It’s a major procedure with long and slow recovery but once recovered, you can lead a fairly normal life. Feel free to ask any questions. X