Dear Dan,
Thank you for your message.
After my RC when all catheters had been removed it took me a few days to gain continence control. The first few days I used nappies because any sudden movement emptied my bladder and I had little control on stopping the flow.
Luckily my pelvic floor excercises kicked into action pretty quickly and I was able to start and stop the flow as desired. These are also called Kegal exercises and I guess you have been advised or will be advised about these. Everyone has a different experience and sometimes you can have instant control and for some it takes longer.
As the weeks and months move along incontinence issues improve and within two months I had near 100% daytime continence except for the occasional coughing or sneezing fit. I wear a protection shield in my underwear for security although it really is not necessary for day time but make’s me feel secure.
For me night time continence depends on fluid intake before bedtime and using an alarm to wake a couple of times during the night to urinate. Very quickly I regained an instinct to wake when I had fullness in my lower abdomen and often woke before the alarm.
Presently I am having adjuvant chemo and all this has gone out of the window temporarily because sometimes I am too tired to wake and have more leaks during the night.
I have two types of shields to wear in my underwear one for day and one for night, the latter has more absorbency for increased urine leakage.
For many it is possible to have dry nights also and each and every one of us has a unique experience in the continence training process. You will eventually find your own routine that works for you and your personal situation.
Please try not to get disheartened if it takes a while to control the flow, it is hit and miss in the beginning and patience is required.
I hope this gives a small insight from my experience and please feel free to ask any question you want.
Kind Regards
Leigh
Leigh, 39
Dx July 2007
TURBT July 2007
RC/Neobladder ,Studer Pouch, September 2007
Erasmus Centrum Rotterdam
TNM Classification: pT4 N2 Mo
4 cycles aduvant chemo Gemzar & Cisplatinum