Month four...
I feel as close to “normal” now as I was before my operation. Sure, there are still issues that need more time to heal and in time - I believe will. At this stage post op, I have absolutely no regrets. My doc told me that I’d probably be dead inside four years if my original bladder was to stay. I had two types of cancer going on inside my bladder. One was the classic mushroom type growth which I had two operations to remove. The other type(which showed up a little later) was a very aggressive CIS; moving like wildfire inside the wall of my bladder. Chemo was done after my first operation but soon after - the pain and blood in my urine appeared caused by re-growth. After a biopsy and another operation I was soon put onto a course of BCG. Week two of treatment I began to feel flu-like symptoms, by
week three I was seriously ill in hospital with an adverse reaction to the treatment. It took a full two weeks to be released from hospital and another month or so to fully recover from the malaria-like symptoms of the treatment. At this stage my only option was to have the bladder and prostrate removed.
My surgeon recommended a neo bladder on account of my age(39) which I agreed to. He discussed all the pro’s and con’s of the procedure to me. I felt at ease and in good hands with him, as I had heard he was one of the best at that type of operation.
I was so scared in the weeks leading up to the operation. My whole world as I knew it, was in my mind; going to change beyond recognition. This I can safely report afterwards was not the case. In fact, my new ‘neo’ is working better than I expected. After three months I’m dry during the day and 98% dry during the night. There is no denying that the operation was a rough ride of pain, discomfort and some depression. At times during recovery I contemplated “maybe I should have gone for the less complicated stoma and bag” but in hindsight, I’m satisfied with my choice. I’m back to full time work and managing fine. No major drawback as regards post-op complications I’m happy to say. The final stumbling block for me now is just the issue of potency. My surgeon informed me that he succeeded in sparing the nerves that contribute to an erection. In time, I’m informed will get back to “Normal” with or without meds... I live in hope.
To anyone out there facing a similar procedure as I had. Please hang in there. It’s a very tough operation to go through. Believe me when I tell you that it’ll turn out not as bad as you may think.
All the Best,
Karl
