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I’m having my first TURBT on the 21rst. Sounds like a simple enough procedure, sort of like the cystoscopy only they do a little snipping. Hopeful thinking on my part, don’t know? Anyway I appreciate feedback on recovery time from the TURBT. I’m a fairly active person, walk several KM each day, play golf, do push ups every day etc. So is this going to be like the cystoscopy, you’re back to normal in a couple of days or am I likely looking at a week(s) recovery to normal activity.
Hi Floger,
I had no side affects and was on my feet within a matter of days. This despite having a Stent in me, but everyone is different, so please take my input with care.
My best,
Hi Floger
My 1st Turbt I was in hospital 3 days do to bleeding, while my 2nd and 3rd Turbts I out of the hospital same day. 1st Turbt had 3 tumors 1 being very large, in the other 2 both were very small.
In all 3 cases I was back to work in a week.
All the best,
Jack
Hi floger:
The surgery does involve a cystoscope type of instrument with a tool on the end to cut out and cauterize the surgical sites. It is a bigger deal than a regular cysto exam.
A lot will depend on whether you are having a general anesthetic or spinal and how many tumours and how big they are. I’ve had two TURBTS – 2008, 2010 respectively both with general anesthetic. The 2008 surgery was bigger because of the removal or 6-8 tumours. In 2010 it was one single very small tumour on the upper right of my bladder.
Both times I was kept in overnight, had a catheter in for about 12 hours and had to be able to pee properly twice before being released. As for recovery time – for me it was longer the first time, about a month. I wasn’t working the first time but it still took me about 4 weeks to really get back to normal. The second time I was working part time retail and took 3 weeks off work because my job involved lifting.
I didn’t have any complications post op with either surgery. I was just really tired and it took time to get my energy back. I found taking the time to rest, walk/exercise as I was able, eat properly and just give myself a mental break from the cancer thing by losing myself in a bunch of good novels all helped with my healing. I also did regular acupuncture treatments. It got rid of the post op discomfort and back ache that I had.
I think the long and short of it is – play it by ear. Be prepared to take a bit of time off for recovery if needed just to rest and give yourself a chance. As for activities I was told both times no heavy lifting/housework for about 4 weeks to give the wounds in my bladder a chance to heal over. My suggestion would be to work yourself back into your activities gradually based on how you are feeling and give yourself permission to rest/skip a day or two of working out if needed. Too much activity too soon will cause the wounds to reopen and bleed. As for working – that will depend on your type of work. If you have a desk job, you most likely will be able to go back to work in a very short period of time. If you have a physical job, I would consult your surgeon about how much time he might think you need.
Drinking lots of water and taking short walks as you are able is a good way to start your recovery from the surgery. Many of us avoid caffeine to reduce the irritation in the bladder. Hope my comments help. Best of luck with your TURBT next week. ((((HUGS))))
Hi Floger, stay positive and keep thinking that way. I had 2 TURBTs ,the first to remove tumours and the second to go back in after the path report. Luckily the second found nothing. However I ddI have a blockage and had to return to hospital in an ambulance and spent the next 2 days on irrigation. Not an experience I want to repeat. Recovery time to start doing exercises will most probably depend on age and general health and fitness. You can never drink enough water. I was at least 4 weeks before I could do more than a 15 minute slow walk. After 5 weeks I started back at the gym (no weights or impact) and slowly getting back into it. I’m now walking for 45min+ every day and going to the gym 3 times a week. I find it does my general fitness and health good along with my state of mind. It’s important to have a positive outlook. I’ve just had my 3rd BCG, so far not too many side effects. Fingers crossed. Good luck with the follow up and BCGs.
Hi Floger,
I just wanted to add that like you I was and am very active. 10 years ago, when I had my first Turbt I was in great shape, running five KM, 5 days a week, playing golf and working out in my home gym. I can’t guarantee that being in great physical shape will improve recovery time; all I can say is that in my case, my doctor mentioned that my physical fitness level was going to help in my recovery. Btw, drinking lots of water is definitely helpful.
I hope this helps.
Got the pathology report today and can’t believe it, no cancer!! In my dreams this was not the result of my TURBT. Urologist wants to see me in late August for a follow up cystoscopy.
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