Imndnile,
Hi! Sorry I didn't respond sooner...Pat told me that perhpas I cold help you out since I am located in Seattle area. Maybe I can suggest to you a couple of other doctors. I work in Everett, and live in Mt. Vernon, but had my surgery at the University of Washington Medical Center.
I had my first cysto. done last March by a urologist in Edmonds, a Dr. John Maldazys....had no pain afterwards nor bleeding....two days later he did the TURB but could not get all the tumor as it was muscle invasive...had no pain nor bleeding afterwards. He had no bed side manner but very probably a decent surgeon. But as I didn't like what he had to say...I ended up going on for a 2nd and 3rd opinion as Maldazys recommended me for 3-4 months of chemo and then bladder removal. I was not prepared for that diagnosis....as it turned out all three oncologists and sugeons I saw, all agreed on that treatment.
I ended up having my surgery done by Dr. Paul Lange, who is head of Urology, UW Medical Center. He also is lacking in bed side manner but he has done lots of bladder surgeries and I was looking for someone who did them on a regular basis. Dr. Lange does not give women a neobladder as he believes there is too high a percentage who leak so I was given the Indiana Pouch and so far, so good....that was five months ago.
Since you are in the Kirkland area, I would suggest you contact a Doctor T. Pritchett, who works at Virginia Mason, if he is on your insurance list....his phone no. is 206-223-6178. I called his office one afternoon and he called me back later that day, about 6:30 p.m. and spent 30 minutess answering my questions...I was quite impressed since most doctors aren't nearly so responsive even when we have an actual appointment with them. I have a male friend (early 60's)who had his surgery done by Dr. Pritchett, he was given a neobladder two years back and is very happy with the results. I would strongly encourage you to call him.
I think that would be more personal than going to UW. I spent 11 days at the hospital following surgery and during my stay, doctors and nurses were great. It was after discharge that I felt they kinda dropped the ball...the patient really has to be very pro-active to ensure follow up happens as it should.
Please feel free to PM me if you wish...will PM you and give you my email and phone number if you wish more info. Take care, Melodie