New Neobladder

Thanks Mike. I expected incontinence and knew the kegels would take a while to make a difference, but I didn't expect continuous, nonstop dribbling of urine with intermittent gushes. My recovery has been great, but even though I didn't expect to be continent, I didn't expect this.
As regards bowel movements, I'm neither constipated nor having diarrhea; however, even passing gas requires a major effort and causes rectal pain.
I guess nothing prepares one for the recovery from an RC. I guess I'm feeling well enough to complain about this other stuff.
-Warren

Warren,

Here is the other link.

bladdercancersupport.org/forum/6-men-and-bladder-cancer/23545-updates-and-questions-on-neobladder-and-bowel-chgs?limitstart=0

Mike

Warren,

Here is one link. This was regarding my frustration with the early days of the neo. I got a lot of responses from folks that may be helpful for you. I will post another in a minute. Each time I switch pages it blanks what I wrote but didn't submit.

bladdercancersupport.org/forum/6-men-and-bladder-cancer/22077-new-neobladder-frustration?limitstart=0

Mike

Warren,


I had the same issue. I remember thinking I wasn't going to ever stretch my neo because it just leaked out.

I had complications so my bowels were a mess for a couple months. It will get back to normal. In the meantime, I think it is ok to take things based on your situation (e.g., Imodium or colace, etc.)

I will go back and read my posts on this topic because I do recall posting about my impatience with regaining continence. I think it was around the 4 week mark that I complained and about 6 weeks when I finally got the hang of it. Keep up the kegels. You WILL get there!

Mike

Even though my cancer never became invasive it has been recurrent, high grade, and refractory to BCG, so I opted for an early radical cystectomy. I'm 3 weeks post op and had my foley removed today. I'm supposed to make sure I void every 2 hours, but I'd be thrilled if I made it more than 2 minutes without getting wet. I tried standing over the bowl doing kegels and even with my pelvic muscles contracted urine just dripped out continuously. I know sometimes when I'm sitting some urine builds up in the neo, because I'll move and feel a gush, but I've never made it to the toilet to empty. Anyone with a similar experience? Advice? Words of encouragement?
Also, does bowel function ever return to the pre-surgical state? If so, when?
-Warren