Urostomy for 77 woman

Hi Dake,

Sorry for the bad news. I'm female and had my bladder removed aged 70 after chemo. Now 73 and still going strong. Before diagnosis I was very fit. At some point between then and the op they diagnosed Atrial fibrillation and then a clot in my lung. After the chemo I was thinner and weaker. However they treated the clot using strong blood thinners and still operated. 

My kidney function is reduced too though nobody says much about it except to keep drinking my 2litres of water a day.

We're all different but I think if you can show you're prepared to do what's needed to get through the op that will help (them and you, actually). As I'm sure you know it takes at least 5 hours and is often compared to running a marathon (which I assure you I could never have done even at my fittest!)

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Latestart x 

Thank you so much for that. I am trying to remain positive. Not easy of course but seeing so many going through it really gives you a feeling of support x

Hi Dake,I’m sorry to hear this.I needed urgent bladder removal in 2019 and manage well with a stoma.I was terrified beforehand but the operation was not as bad as I feared.You will get support from everyone on here.There are several of us who have been through the cystectomy and can help with any questions you may have.Love Jane x

Hi Dake

Sorry to hear your news. I am a female 10 days post op after having my bladder removed. I am doing very well , better than I expected. Mine was robotic.

I was very fearful of the operation . But now it is over I realise there was nothing to fear it was all straightforward.

I am happy to answer any questions.

Wishing you luck

Best wishes

Debbie

Yes mine was robotic too. Having only a few incisions for the metal poles through which they do the operation means it takes much less time to get back to feeling better. 

3 years down the line I'm living a normal life (in fact from only a few weeks after the op, really, after that it was just a matter of getting my energy back, which didn't take long either), and my stoma and bags are easy to deal with. 

I hope that you have the same experience, Debbie

All the best ,

Latestart

Hi Debbie,It’s good to hear you are doing well post op.Best wishes for a smooth recovery.Jane x

Thank you. Mine will be robotic so you have given me positive vibes. Just waiting for pre op and PET scan

I hope you don’t have to wait too long x

Thank you. I must admit waiting is difficult and your brain goes into overdrive!

The waiting is the worst thing. I tried to keep myself occupied as much as I could. I hope your wait is not to long x