Bladder Surgery

Hi MK18709d9,I’m sure the men will be along to advise.Your husband will get back to some normality but it does take time to recover.He will feel very tired at first and probably a bit weak and wobbly.It is important that you listen to your body after this surgery.You need to rest if you feel like resting.It’s best to eat little but often.It is common not to feel hungry post op but regular snacks can help to rebuild the appetite.I had soup,cheese and biscuits,sandwich thins with meat or cheese and jacket potatoes.Yoghurts,mousses,custards,jellies were helpful too.The bowels can be a bit erratic at the beginning.I suffered from constipaton but you can get diarrhoea or both.Your husband will need to build up his walking distances gradually.I found if I did too much I would feel sick and get pains.You do learn to listen to your body and it’s important to do so.
It takes a few months to fully recover.
Regarding the urostomy it’s important to measure the stoma in the beginning as it will shrink down in size.If you cut the hole in the bag too big you will get leaks.Once the stoma has settled you can order pre cut bags if you prefer.I never bothered as happy to cut out the hole myself.The stoma nurse should be on hand in hospital to show your husband how to care for it.I had to be able to change the bag unaided before being allowed home.Your husband will find his own routine with the stoma.It becomes easier with practice and confidence.I hope this has not frightened you too much.It is a lot to think about but we are all here to support you both through it all.Best wishes for the surgery.Keep us updated and ask any questions as there is usually someone here who can answer.Jane x

Hi Winkers60, 

Thankyou for replying so quickly. It’s nice to speak to people going through a similar journey. The stoma nurse has been great to be fair but it’s better to speak to someone who’s experienced this I think. 
Your advice is really useful and much appreciated. 
We had a bad morning this morning so I took the bull by the horns and joined this group, it’s very lonely sometimes. 
Surgery is on Wednesday 24th so please keep us in your prayers. 
M x 

I forgot to say your husband may be given a low fibre diet sheet after the surgery.It will help the bowels to recover as they dislike being handled during the operation.I introduced my normal diet back in gradually.Don’t worry if your husband is in intensive care or high dependency directly after the operation.This is usual because it’s major surgery.Once his observations are stable he will be transferred to a ward to continue his recovery.Length of stay in ICU varies I was there for 14 hours some are in for a few days.I went home on day 10 late afternoon.X

It is a horrible worrying time but I hope you will not feel so lonely having joined us.It’s a friendly group.I joined over 6 years ago when first diagnosed and the kind people here supported me through the surgery and a miserable recovery alone during the pandemic.I didn’t find the surgery that bad I was free of pain and managed on paracetamol for virtually the entire admission.I would encourage your husband to try to get washed and dressed and sit out in a chair if possible.He will need to take in loose waisted clothes and slippers that are easy to slip into to avoid bending.x

Hi, Winkers has said it all really. Please try not to be too frightened, it is complex surgery but lots of us have had it and are back to normal, just using a bag to collect our urine.

Worrying too much can make you ill and I'm sure your husband will need your help for a while after the op. So my advice is to take each step as it comes and soon you'll be out the other side. I was 70 when operated on and nearly 3 years later hardly give the stoma a thought unless it needs emptying or changing. The most important thing is that the cancer has gone and we're enjoying life as it comes. Hopefully you will too.

You might find the Urostomy Association website helpful - there you'll find into about all sorts of relevant things 're stomas, bags etc.

All the best,

Latestart

I don’t think about my stoma either unless it leaks.