How long ot return to normal, age 50, cystectomy

Just got back home and thought this was a very interesting post to weigh in on. And since you are feeling better after surgery, I will pass on a little info.
Even two years out I still can have days where urination is akin to peeing caramel. Very slow and quite thick. But This can be countered by drinking lots of water during the day. But watch your intake after 6 at night. You don't want to be going to the bathroom a lot during the night.
As for the weight loss; I lost 30 pounds after surgery. I could have stood a loss of 20 anyway. But that extra 10 was a reason to eat well. I gained 15 back. I now maintain that weight day to day and feel great. BUT! this past weekend I spent the days in a formula 2000 race car and was passed by all of the young whippersnappers who weigh about 125 lbs. Every time I had to climb up that hill my car had to carry my fat backside up too. I was relagated to 6th place!
Seriously; You will return to normal life rather quickly. If what I read in your post is true.... You will beat our recovery times by the same speeds as those young guns beat me in the races! Don't sweat it, you are on the right track!
George

Thanks for the encouragement and advice. I pretty much eat anything that sounds good just to get in the calories. I can't look at fruit juice, broth or any other clear liquids without getting queasy.

I woke up this AM feeling better than ever. I had robotic assisted; the only large incision is less than 3 inches where they put my new bladder in--scars are cool. Most of my pain comes from my lower back, a chronic muscle condition I had before the surgery. I surprised myself this morning and sat up using my stomach muscles without thinking--so that site is doing better than I thought. I saw my regular doctor about the back, so am taking something for that instead of the Percocet my surgeon prescribed, but I'm weaning off of that too.

I'll see my surgeon tomorrow, so I can grill him about how much activity I can have.

As far as recovery, what was it like the first time you urinated "normally"? I have my Foley out in a week and a half, the 4-week mark. As I understand this, he will cap the super pubic tube, then have me drink a lot and see if I can urinate normally at his office. If all goes well, a week later the SP comes out, and I'm on my own--kind of like taking the training wheels off. Woohoo!

Sometimes..well Often...if you continue to take an opiate after returning home and have not been weaned off of it it will result in a rebound effect. You think you still have pain because your brain is programmed to think you still need the drug. You need to wean down if thats the case. But still a good idea to mention to your surgeon.
pat

Geez, just 10 more lbs? Even with having to eat less (even now 2 yrs later), it seems like someone came in the middle of the night and packed it on me.

Now I'm trying to lose that and more. Probably the lack of exercise doesn't help. The estimates of a couple of months are pretty much on the money. Just be careful of quantities or your colon will object.

Although I wasn't moving around too much when I got home, I was essentially pain free (no medication) when I got home. During my stay I was on an automated epidural and when it was removed, I took vicodin the first day and then nothing. Drains were removed before I left the hospital.

I'm not sure if my experience is unique but if it is common, then you may want to explore why you are still having pain.

LeeH

I forgot to mention, if you are only TWO WEEKS out and hoping your doctor is going to let you start exercising, you are doing GREAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!



Mike

Even if done laparoscopically as mine was done...no lifting over l0 lbs and bend at the knees....stomal hernias can happen also....Anyway...i lost 23 lbs which i didn't have to lose...but that left the door open for Venti, whole milk, Mocha's every day, and lots of other yummy high calorie goodies. I also made sure i got my protein every day with eggs in the a.m. ..but my meals were light as intestines were still angry with me. I really didn't not have much pain as i had stiffness...tylenol was all i really needed until i could actually walk in an upright position. I found certain foods really irritated me and this is pretty individual with everyone..i was fine with fruit juice..just couldn't eat the fruit except banana's. Veggies difficult also..salads were ok though......so its kind of a trial and error process.
Hang in there Red!!
Pat