will the real neo-bladder please stand up!

Joel,

Good luck!!!! Keep in touch with us when you can or ask your wife to.

Remember: Chew gum and walk, walk, walk.

Mike

As usual, you've all been very helpful. Thanks. Well, Monday is the big day. We leave tomorrow for Chicago, then surgery early Monday a.m. See you on the neo side!
joel

I usually void in the seated position as I think I more effectively empty the neobladder that way. When away from home and bathrooms are dirtier than I like or sometimes at events with long lines, I use a urinal somewhat like the old days, but using the different muscles now necessary. I expect at some point in your recovery, you can void as completely as possible standing and get checked for residual urine. If there is none or a small amount, then standing should work. If there is significant residual, then it is probably a good idea to sit and get emptier. Urine the remains in the bladder or neobladder is prone to becoming infected which is good to avoid. I know of some men who have had their residual tested after standing to void and are completely empty, so as with so many things individual experience varies.

jj

When I didn't need to cath, in the early days after my neo, I was able to go standing up. It wasn't quite as effective for getting completely empty but sometimes the bathroom at the golf course was pretty gross. I think a lot of men are still able to stand and go but sitting is better to get completely empty.

Of course, now that I have to catheterize, I stand all the time.

Mike

Huh???? I never heard that and 90+ % of the time I void standing up. Not hitting the back of the bowl like when I was 20 but pretty effective none the less. Sometimes if I feel like I am not fully empty I will finish sitting down but most of the time I don't do that.

Lee

Yep thats what most of them recommend...I know Dr. Bochner does at msk.....here's a page from U. of michigan
www.med.umich.edu/urology/PatientInformation/other/MANAGING%20YOUR%20NEOBLADDER.html
pat