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Humor for Sanity – Neobladder voiding technique
I’ve found that most neo-bladder recipients/bladder cancer survivors usually come to a point at which they discover the value of humor. Taking ourselves a little less than seriously is actually a way of maintaining a healthy mindset, and helps us to deal with the “new normal”. I hope others can relate to what I’m saying here, or else I’m just exposing myself as an absolute idiot!
Because the neo-bladder isn’t muscular, we have to “bear down” to void. The “Valsalva Maneuver”, right? Well, I’m coming up with some creative techniques to break the monotony of run-of-the-mill straining.
Option 1 – Repetitive coughing. Not like you have whooping cough, just shallow coughing – like you did when you were held together with staples and were afraid you were going to bust open. Do about 20 of them in a row. When you come out of the stall, take note of how large of a crowd has gathered.
Option 2 – Blow your nose. I actually learned this in the shower the other day by accident. Wow, I didn’t know I could shoot that far! If you’re not in the shower, use firing range safety rules and keep pointed in a safe and prudent direction.
Option 3 – Rapid deep breathing. Careful not to hyperventilate, and use discretion when in a public restroom so as to not give a wrong impression.
Option 4 – Sneeze. Probably not voluntary, but I learned this one yesterday. I failed to exercise directional control and ended up having to wash some rugs, my leg and the floor. But it was effective!
Hope this helps! Also I hope the moderator doesn’t VOID my membership!
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Having a neo absolutely REQUIRES you to have a GREAT snse of humor ….. and absolutely No self esteem problems!
I remember the first visit to my urologist. They showed me to a nice room, to take off my clothes, and put on a gown (kind of like a spa). I walked across the hall into the exam room and VOILA! I was met by 2 nurses and the Dr. whose first words were, “Take off your robe and lie down”
I asked them why they made me use the other room. Their reply “This is your first time. But you will lose all self esteem after a few visits to the urologist” :laugh: :laugh:George
Light a man a fire and he is warm for an evening.
Light a man ON fire and he’s warm forever.08/08/08…RC neo bladder
09/09/09…New Hip
=
New Man! [/size]
LOL! :)
Age 54
10/31/06 dx CIS (TisG3) non-invasive (at 47)
9/19/08 TURB/TUIP dx Invasive T2G3
10/8/08 RC neobladder(at 49)
2/15/13 T4G3N3M1 distant metastases(at 53)
9/2013 finished chemo -cancer free again
1/2014 ct scan results….distant mets
2/2014 ct result…spread to liver, kidneys, and lymph system
My opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of ABLCS or anyone else. I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV.
From a moderator:
SHAME ON YOU!!
:cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
Forum Moderator
Joel,
While reading your post I discovered another effective technique to void my neobladder – hearty laughter! Thanks for the insight.
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