The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Thank you for being a part of the Cancer Survivor Network community. Survivors and caregivers like you have played a unique role in fostering an online environment that encourages connection among those needing support, community, and education. On May 28, the Network will be discontinued. More details are available here . If you have any questions, contact CSNSupportTeam@cancer.org. Thanks again for the support you’ve provided each other over the years. We remain committed to supporting you in other ways throughout your cancer journey.

Neobladder

MCJK
MCJK CSN Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Bladder Cancer #1
I have had bladder cancer. I had my bladder replaced with the neobladder last February. I have been very happy with my new bladder. I have control during the day for the best part. I wear a pad just to be safe during the day and depends at night. I will get a little squirt when my new bladder is full and I am trying to hold it back if I pickup something or bend etc.. I have never had to catherize myself but I find I get a better void when I sit. I have not been able to use the urinal with much success. However I have had some problems with a small amount of BM when I push to urinate. Maybe I am pushing too hard.

I have not had a normal bowl movement since the operation. I get constipated for several days then I have diarrhea for several days and just about every time I sit to urinate a little BM comes and I feel that I am going to have a BM all day, every day. Has anyone else ever had a problem with BM's since getting the neobladder?

Comments

  • jclarey
    jclarey CSN Member Posts: 2
    Neobladder & bm's
    Hi,

    I have had a neobladder for a couple years, although it's empty now due to kidney removal last year. I know managing BM's was difficult after the neobladder surgery. Are you on pain meds? Are you on laxatives or stool softeners? I experienced the "yo-yo" effect of getting constipated due to pain meds, then diarrhea due to laxatives/stool softeners.

    I believe I too found it easier to sit than to stand to urinate.

    I don't have any magic answer for you. Are you familiar with Kegel exercises? They were useful to me to help control neobladder flow. I believe the muscles involved in controlling the neobladder are not far from the muscles that control the anus. Maybe you could practice trying to pee without a BM?

    Best wishes,

    Jeff
  • santiago
    santiago CSN Member Posts: 4
    Neobladder
    I received a Neobladder on September 17 1997. Yes, that was over 12 years ago and I am very satisfied with the results. I did go through the BM problem and the diarrhea, and this all lasted for approx 2 years. I still sit down to urinate, but I have also used the regular urinals when when I am away from home. It took a while to learn how to use the urinals effectively. I still have to get up at least once every night. I have real good control both night and day. I have had a few accidents on occassion, but I found that if I go to the bathroom more often I can avoid the accidents.