Homepage – Forum › Forums › Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer › Radical Cystectomy longer term issues › Reply To: Radical Cystectomy longer term issues
Sorry I am a little behind in responding to this topic. Very good topic Greg and would be a very good discussion group topic. Ok so I am the one with the different diversion and yes I can name all 4. For those that still have their bladders it may seem a little disturbing to read of some issues that are ongoing so this is how I feel. I was having constant issues before the surgery and never knew from one cysto to the other how things were going to be. I was dealing with constant irritation and didn’t realize how much until it was gone (thanks to the RC). I no longer have cystos or treatment or the effects thereof so basically I have traded one set of issues for another.
Incontinece with a Mainz II is not an issue. With a good anal sphincter control is maintained day and night and your body lets you know when it is time to void. Similar to having a BM. Infection is a real concern so am on antibiotics all the time. Many have to take sodium bicarbonate because acidosis is a concern but this has not been a problem for me.
I did pull a couple of unexpected issues, Lyphedema of legs and feet being one from Lymph node disection and I did have scar tissue where one of the ureters was reattached to the pouch which caused backup of urine into kidneys causing infection but this has now been resolved. Neither of these are a usual problem. I was also able to keep all female organs .
I think it is important for people to be aware of all the diversions and problems that each one can have to better help with decision making. I have also become aware that surgeons seem to develop there own preference and are not all fans of all procedures especially the one I have.
At the ten year mark I will have to have yearly colonoscopies because there is always a chance of developing colon cancer. I think due to mixing urine and stool all the time. Urine drains into the sigmoid.
In the end I think we are all ok with the diversion we have because it is good to get rid of a diseased part of the body that if left will cause us to become terminal sooner rather than later.