INCONTINENCE

Thanks Mike and Lee i really appreciate the information. I was told in broad terms what to expect but not to what extent. Again, thanks and take care.

Regards,

Brett

Mike is "right on" Brett. We have all had that issue and it is perfectly normal. You will gain control slowly, after what seems too long a time.

It would have been nice if the Dr. had warned you - mine didn't either.

Be sure and check here if you have any other issues or questions. We have all had them. Its much easier to deal with if you know what is happening and you are not the first.

Lee

Brett,

What you are experiencing is absolutely normal. I'm surprised your doctor didn't tell you to expect this.

You should have received a schedule of how often you should go to the bathroom and exercises (kegels and others) to help you strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. The neobladder is made of intestine (not muscle like the bladder was). Therefore, you now need to learn to use the pelvic floor muscles to control going (and just as importantly--not going).

You also need to follow the schedule in order to SLOWLY stretch the neobladder. It is usually made with only a 40-50cc capacity and then stretched (once you have a little continence and then by slowly increasing the time between emptying the neobladder).

It takes a few weeks to a month or so to get day time control and even longer for night-time. You need to get Depends or some other brand of pads and/or undergarments for this time.

Glad you found us and I hope this info is helpful for you.

Best of luck on your recovery!

Mike

Hi guys, I am from Australia, 49yrs old and would appreciate any information or tips anyone can provide.

I had my bladder removed on 3rd December 2010 due to invasive cancer and a Neo Bladder created. I have just been released today after having the stents removed and the Neo bladder checked by my specialist. I have found that i now have very bad incontinence. When i lay down or sit i can last only about 30mins to 1 hour before i start voiding. As soon as i stand up i void straight away and cannot hold it at all. I don't even get time to get to the toilet before the bladder has drained.

I have had a catheter in for the last 6 weeks since the procedure and that was also removed today. The ward doctor said this was natural and the symptoms would improve.

Has anyone else had this problem to this extent?

Thanks for any remarks.

Brett