New Neo Bladder and using a catheter

[Abarro]

Hi

I am a 62 year old male and I am considering having the neobladder surgery. The only thing that worries me is the regular use of having to self catheter. I’d like to understand how easy it is and if it is uncomfortable or painful.

Thanks

Andrea

• This topic was modified 3 years, 1 month ago by Nightingale.
• This topic was modified 3 years, 1 month ago by Jack Moon.

[Nightingale]

Hi Abarro,

Welcome and thank you for posting your question in the Forum.  I moved your post under the Category of “Bladder Replacement Options”, as it’s a related category and will help folks find your post more easily.  Btw, did you mean to say New Bladder and using a Catheter as your subject line?  It currently says “New ladder and using a catheter”…let me know and I can go in and change it for you.

Ok, now to the question you have posted.  At Bladder Cancer Canada, we have Peer Support Volunteers who have the Neo Bladder and would be happy to talk on the phone with you and share their experience.  Would you like me to arrange that for you?…if yes, let me know and I will have one of our Peer Support Volunteers get in touch with you.

My best,

[Donald123]

Hi Andrea,

I had my neobladder surgery at 66 two years ago in November 2019.  Was in the hospital for five days, and during that time I was shown how to self-catheterize and practiced that for a couple of days before release.  Following that I had an appointment with an Ostomy nurse who ensured I knew how best to do it.

Once home I self-catheterized daily for about three weeks in order to ensure there was no blockage created by mucus and to keep my new bladder from over filling.  It needs to expand gradually. It took about 10 minutes including prep time and post sanitation. Within a month it was about a week between self-catheterizations.  After three months every two weeks

Now that my neobladder is fully enlarged, I feel that weekly is probably the best frequency for me.  When I urinate I find I am not able to fully empty my bladder and sometimes I can feel a slight pain in my side telling my bladder is full (I think).

Self-catheterizing is painless.  Lubrication of the first 3-4 inches of the catheter ensures it inserts easily.  A bit of pressure is required to force it around the bend where it enters the urethra.  Definitely not painful nor uncomfortable though.  Removing the catheter without spillage is a bit of a trick.  I did that in the shower until I mastered the technique.  🙂

Cleanliness is important and I am fortunate in not having any urinary tract infection nor soreness.  Incontinence supplies are usually covered under health plans.

Should you wish to discuss this, feel free to contact me.

Wishing you all the best, Don

 

 

 

 

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[SJay]

Hi Abarro

The ostomy nurse will show you how to self-catheterise after having the foley catheter removed a couple of weeks after your surgery. They put the foley in during the surgery. As mentioned by Donald it is easy and painless. I seem to need to do it about once a year, but everybody is different. It is really not a big deal once you have done it a few times. I had my RC and a neobladder 5 years ago at age 65.

Cheers
Sjay

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