Making surgical choices and need input.

I am 3 1/4 years out after having a Radical Cystectomy with nerve sparing procedure. I did not have an IC. I have no bag or stoma. I seem to function as I did before surgery but I still have leaking issues that probably will never go away. But I still do not question the procedure I chose.

I guess the real issue here is making a choice of procedure and sticking by it. They are ALL good. I know Mike will chime in here and have his case made for IC. But they all have their quirks. I am good by my choice and don't fret at the shortcomings.

My philosophy has always been; "Make the BEST decision with the information you have at hand...... And live with it." Don't look back and second guess yourself. There is no PERFECT choice in this case, they all have their plusses and minusses.

Good Luck. I am absolutly sure you are making the best of this. I can tell by your concise post. Your husband should be proud to have you helping.

George

Hi there..Well I certainly believe you have made the correct choice thinking to have the IC procedure. My hubby had it done 30 months ago and although in the beginning (5 weeks)it was a little difficult to get accustomed to the pouch, it has now become second nature....He swims, plays tennis and the IC is not a problem to maintain.

Did your husband have chemo treatment before the operation?

Good luck with your final decision.

Danielle

My surgeon gave me a choice. I spent several days & nights reading threads and web sites and decided on the IC. I feel it was a correct choice for me. I had to become comfortable with my “nurse duties” every 3 or 4 days (changing the bag). I have always done this myself and finally became used to showering and cleaning around my stoma. At first I was very intimated by the stoma. It looks like raw meat but I have learned that it is pretty tough. There are several here who have had the IC and may be helpful as you have questions about the care & treatment of the stoma and the bag.

As difficulty as it might be to think of these different types of surgery- remember it is the end result that is the reward. My surgeon came in and announced that I was “cancer free”.