Bladder control

Hello DivonneS 

It's a matter of trial and error and most people struggle to get the balance right at the start.  You will get there.

As for the drive, an "appropriate size" empty bottle in the car and the location of venues with toilets is a good idea (MacDonalds, Costa Coffee etc) - again it will get easier.

I really feel for you as my radiotherapy centre was "empty bowel - empty bladder" easy to do!!

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi DivonneS

I was advised to drink at least 2 litres of water a day as a norm  as well as any other liquids, whilst avoiding fizzy drinks & caffeine to ensure that I was well hydrated & started with this regime about 3 weeks before my RT started.  Don't quote me on this but my understanding is that if the body isn't hydrated to start with, any water drunk initially goes to rehydrate before the bladder starts to fill. Once at the hospital, after using the enema & then emptying bowels & bladder I then had to drink 400ml water (the amount seemed to vary depending on how big guys are)  & then after 30 min or so (to give the bladder time to refill) I would be called through for the RT session.  

The main problem I had was that they often ended up running behind so the half hour wait would often stretch to an hour when I was dying for a pee so it became a bit of a balancing act getting it right.  There were 2 attempts where I failed & it was then a case of having to drink more water with a further wait before completing the session. 

I'm sure once you get into a routine it will become easier.

All the best for your remaining sessions

Brian

Hi DivonneS glad to hear you finally got going.  It is about a routine and now you know you need an extra quantity just add that to your quantity at the hospital.  Maybe you have a larger bladder than the average (I’m not medically trained but sounds logical).  As for drinking more during the rest of the day, personally yes, plenty of tap water (not bottled).  Good luck with the next 19!  Soon be over. David

Hi DivonneS,

as has been already said, the trick is keeping your body "super hydrated" so that the water you drink immediately before the treatment all goes straight to your bladder and not taken up elsewhere in your body . You do need to drink LOTS of water during the day and you will get "p****d off" with it (pun intended), but you will get into a set routine after the first few days. I had to drink more at the start of my treatment ..................and on the very last day - a totally different time of day for that last appointment ! Good luck............. 

John