CIS

Fallon,
I was also worried about the clothes I could/couldn't wear. That is really not a problem. The only thing I have had a problem with is some of my jeans. Some are o.k., some aren't. I found Vassarette panties, briefs with lycra that hold very well and of course panty hose. Of course this time of year sweat pants have been wonderful. The placement of my stoma is about 1 1/2 inches below the waist. Hope you get your infection under control. I never had any from my cystectomy, just from the urinary tract infections.
Martha

Sounds like you made the right choice Martha. I am still pondering had a consult today with a doctor at MUSC a doctor I saw there 2 weeks ago. he came from Cleaveland they do the Indiana pouch but he still feels the bag on the outside has less problems. That hospital is two and half hours away my doctor who has followed me through all my treatments is one hour they just do the bag outside My own hospital here in town does the bag on the outside but would not change doctors if I choose to go that way.
My pre opp is Feb 21 and I think I will wait until then and talk to the doctors about my options.
There are two gentlemen here in town I have spoken too who have had the bag on the outside and seem to be happy with their choice but they dont have to wory about what clothes they wear. I worry about how it will affect my choice in clothing. Thank you for your reply everyone on here is so helpfull.
Today was not good as I went to my family doctor feeling bad I had a bad infection thinkit might be from my cysto last week.

fallon,
I had a similar experience with both options, bag or neobladder. Had the radical cystectomy Oct. 18, 2006, so am assuming I am a newbie. My favorite urologist, 1 hour away, very graciously sent us to another oncologist/urologist at a major teaching hospital, 3 hours away, here in texas for a 2nd opinion. The OU said I was a perfect candidate for either of the neo bladders. My urologist could only do the "outside bag". We opted for staying closer to home, near friends and family for the surgery. Only had minor problems after coming home learning which bags were appropriate. Came to the conclusion that the bags used in the hospital are not the ones for active people. We are still very happy with our decision and "Betty" has become a welcome member to the family. Good luck, our prayers are with you.
Martha

Thank you Wendy I think maybe one reason we are offered I.C. is age plus doctors in small towns dont offer anything else. I have to give my doctor credit he said he would send me anywhere he has also always been very aware of my biopsies and gotten second oppinons more than once.

I am still very uncertain about whaic way to go as I know being close to home is factoring into my deciding which procedure to do.
I have my pre op visit with the doctor doing the surgary Feb 21 so I will have lots of questions to ask.

The doctor I was sent to in Charleston told me you will be fine just hide it under your pants as I leaned close to him and looked him in the eye I asked "what about my bathing suit " he couldn't find an answer as it was not a question he was expecting when I laughed he got over his shock told me to buy one like a dress MEN

Hi Fallon,

It sounds as if you are taking the right road for your situation. Don't worry, you will get through the surgery and come out fine, the external pouch has no learning curve aside from finding the best appliance that doesn't irritate or leak. Figure being out of commission for the first 6 wks. Getting back up ASAP and walking is the best way to heal, get the bowels working again and get out of the hospital.

I know plenty of men and women with ileal conduits (they refer to themselves as "ostomates") and they are satisfied, no complaints aside from the ones I mentioned.

I've heard there is a Yahoo group for ostomates that is very helpful. It seems most of the people on this board and on our email list had the other types, neobladders or Indiana pouch. I think it's because most younger people are offered these options and younger people are the ones out here in cyberspace connecting with each other. Not that ostomates are in the minority...it just seems that way.

I wish you an easy time with the upcoming surgery and a speedy recovery. Keep asking question, and stay in touch.
Wendy

Thank you Rosemary no I always have a general when I have my biopsies now. The doctors dont want to give me a spinal although I have had them in the past with no problems. I guess since my problem they are a little afraid. What was so bad was as soon as I had the needle put in my spine I was in awful pain and they pumped me full of morphine on my trip home I was in pain with my foot and leg they sent me to a pain clinic to cut a long story short it was only when I ended up in the Emergency room they knew what the problem was. Have to admit have learnt a lot going through all thia about doctors and hospitas and know you have to stayy on top of all your own records.
regards fallon