Complications after bladder removal

Hi Lorril, I'm not the best person to comment on your dear Mum's actual medical situation, as my OH still has his bladder. However just as a general reaction, I would say it is reasonable for you to ask the nurses looking after your Mum to get her checked as, from what I have read here, bowel function troubles are quite common after bladder removal. Many people her generation could be reluctant to get bluntly descriptive to staff about being unable to empty their bowel. I have read mentions of chewing gum to try to stimulate the gut movement action. Not what you might think of if you have never been a chewing gum user, but surely worth a try.

Always always, check with a pharmacist whether it would be suitable in due course for your Mum to have gut-friendly bacteria capsules to restore her good gut bacteria. These have probably been wrecked by the necessary antibiotics for the infection. If there is no objection the capsules will help her recover, as by improving her digestion they will improve her intake of nutrients from food to help her mend.

I hope tomorrow, as it's quite late now, you'll get some more specific helpful comment. Don't forget as her Carer you are entitled to support from your local area Carers' Association. Definitely worth giving them a ring.

Best wishes

Denby

Thank you,  I will definately ask about tablets,  she is hardly eating as feels sick all the time.  And yes I took

her in gum xx 

Hi Lorril,Welcome to the group.I’m sorry to hear your mum is having some complications.Unfortunately it’s not uncommon to get them after a cystectomy.I had a lot of discomfort and leaking from the bottom which I wasn’t told could happen.Nausea is common too especially as the bowels take a while to start working.My surgeon said the bowels don’t like being handled and go on strike.Mine stopped working altogether and that caused abdominal pain and vomiting.These early days post op can be a bit difficult but once the bowels are working you feel much better.If they suspect the bowels are asleep then your mum will be nil by mouth.I tried to walk a little each day to get the bowels moving.I hope things improve for your mum soon.Best wishes Jane  xx

The nausea & bowl inaction are both common. Sometimes they will fit a nasogstric tube to ensure nutrition. My bowels didn't shift at all for 7 days post op & then only little bullets with great effort. Soon after that, could suddenly switch to urgent & loose stools too. If your mum is able to stand & walk a bit, this will help reactivate bowels. Definitely not a time to be coy about telling the staff how she feels. Hope all improves soon.

Thank you sI much for your response, I feel A

little more at ease now, howeve Dr thinks it maybe a fistula in her Anus? Waiting to here back

from him, just hope not

another op.

Thank you for your response, the Dr in Hospital has seen her and they think it’s a fistula, not sure what this involves just hope it’s not another op? 

I’m sorry to hear this.I hope it can be sorted soon.Your poor mum is not having much luck.What a worry for you too,I really hope things improve soon.Love Jane x