Bladder Surgery

Hi. I had a small high grade NMIBC and opted for surgery. I had RC with ileal conduit in September 2024. No real issues since. Life almost back to normal. Have recently had my 12 months scan and other checks - all ok. Stoma care quite easy and night bag a blessing in disguise as no getting up during the night!! Have been back in work for 6 months and doing the same tasks in work as before. Avoiding heavy lifting and rowing in the gym otherwise exercising as before and doing long distance walking. So just wanted to reassure you that life can be quite normal after you’ve recovered from this major operation. All the very best.

My partner recently had RC but has coped well with sorting out his stoma bag and is more confident than he was initially. He is 7 weeks post op now and has got himself into a routine. He sets out what he needs to change it when sitting in his armchair, and the night bag has helped him to have some decent sleep once he got used to sleeping on his back and on the different side of the bed. After getting out of the hospital I made him children’s size meals and gradually built them up. We have since been out for meals at the local cafe. We also started slow with his walking just going to the end of the road and gradually built that up too. He is also driving again as well. I know it is a difficult thing but it does get better gradually.

We were both anxious prior to my partner’s surgery as it was the fear of the unknown to a certain extent. I found it important to talk and be open with each other. He is very independent and always does things to help others so not being able to do much was a source of frustration for him once he began to feel better. I said to him that we take each day as it comes and deal with it together, and not to overthink about the what ifs, etc try to remain in the present.

Thankyou for your reply, it’s encouraging to hear from you all. The fear and anxiety is hard but hoping things go well for us this week. 
M x 

Hi,I’ll be thinking of you and your husband tomorrow.I hope the surgery goes smoothly.Please can you let us know how he gets on? love and best wishes Jane x