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  • Ileal Conduit – What to expect after surgery

    Posted by Arthur on August 25, 2010 at 4:31 pm

    Hello to all,

    it has been a while since I have been on the site or posted anything. During the time away, I went through various testing, pre-surgical chemo treatments and a lot of waiting. After my cysto on Friday, I just found out the chemo helped with the tumor but didn’t help so much with the carcinoma in the muscle or deep tissue of the area that is used for the ” neo” attachment.

    I am now scheduled for surgery mid September, I have complete confidence in the Dr., his team and the hospital. During my conversation with the doc he stated that I may not be a candidate for the ” neo” based on the facts above, however nothing is concrete until he is actually inside and can take a closer look and do some more biopsies.
    Unfortunately do to some other issues I may not be a candidate for the Indiana Pouch either, which leaves the Ileal Conduit as the potential resolution.

    I have been reading all I can find on the subject, but would like to get some input, pros & cons and what to look forward to if IC is the way forward when I wake up from surgery. Any help, input, guidance and words of encouragement are gratefully appreciated and beneficial.
    Hope to hear from you soon
    rgds
    Arthur

    harleygirl replied 14 years ago 4 Members · 8 Replies
  • 8 Replies
  • harleygirl

    Member
    August 31, 2010 at 6:15 pm

    My Dad had his RC when he was 80. He has the ileal conduit and has adjusted nicely to it. He just celebrated his 84th birthday last week. He changes his “appliance” twice a week and has no trouble with leaks. He attaches his pouch to a night bottle and sleeps through the night with no problems. He had problems with UTIs at first but that seems to be under control. He also has a stent in each ureter to keep them from closing off due to scar tissue.

    We think that the ileal conduit was the best choice for Dad since cathing might be a problem if he were to develop arthritis in his hands.

    Good luck with your surgery!

  • Arthur

    Member
    August 31, 2010 at 5:49 pm

    Thank you Mike,
    My surgery is scheduled fro Sep. 24. Although I knew it was inevitable now that the Dr has described what will happen during the procedure and what to expect after, the reality is beginning to hit me. At this time they are not certain if I will be able to have the neo or ileal conduit. This will be based on several factors which will be checked during surgery, unfortunately I will not have a say in the choice. Based on the info you and Rick have provided concerning the IC, I am trying to get myself prepared and have noted the potential pitfalls of the bag and to be certain not to over extend the length of time a bag is used and also to have a spare with me.

    Any other words of encouragement or wisdom you can share is greatly appreciated.

    Rgds
    Arthur

  • motomike

    Member
    August 30, 2010 at 10:47 pm

    I’m having a “Cancer Survivor” sign made! I have a corner home so it should look great!


    I’m 70, retired heat/air contractor. After 4 months of keymo ileal conduit (IC) surgery removed bladder & prostate May 2010
  • motomike

    Member
    August 30, 2010 at 10:33 pm

    After 4 months of keymo, my bladder & prostate were removed and replaced with the Ileal Conduit, May 12th. I’m almost 70 and had very few medical problems (high blood pressure & back pain) so the thought of having a plastic stick-on bladder was revolutionary. It’s like a post-it note except with better adhesive! I won’t tell you that I’ve become entirely comfortable with all the unique procedures necessary but I’m adjusting and so will you.

    My operation was easy, followed with over a week in the hospital recovering (liquid diet -really boring). I’m still timid about showering & it looks like I’m going to need to shave the area!

    LEAKS HAPPEN-at 65mph on the freeway!- at Red Lobster resturant! (Carry a spare.)! At 3 a.m. in bed! #%~#%%*^

    I was delighted to see Jeff’s post regarding a standard 4-day life for each bag. I’m setting that as my leak free bag life goal.


    I’m 70, retired heat/air contractor. After 4 months of keymo ileal conduit (IC) surgery removed bladder & prostate May 2010
  • Arthur

    Member
    August 27, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    Rick,
    that is a GREAT site. You certainly put a lot of your expertise, time and feeling into it. EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!! Thank you.

    I met with my surgeon yesterday and went over the surgery and what I should expect. Surgery is set for Sep. 24 which is just a few short weeks away. Although I have been resigned to the fact surgery was coming, it is now a reality and various emotions are running through my mind, all which are being led by nervousness and scared. I know in the end all will work out ( I hope it will ) and this is the right thing to do. I think part of not knowing what will be in pace when I wake up ( neo or ileal) and how to deal with either from that point onward is the most difficult.

    If I can I may be back with more questions, thoughts and definitely support if I can.
    Thank you again
    Rgds
    Arthur

  • rah

    Member
    August 27, 2010 at 12:24 am
  • Arthur

    Member
    August 26, 2010 at 2:37 pm

    Thank you Rick,
    there was no link attached. can you please resend

  • rah

    Member
    August 26, 2010 at 4:12 am

    Arthur,
    I am attaching a link to a write up that is posted on Melodie’s Warrior site.

    It give you a slight overview of my experience with an Ileal conduit

    Rick

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