Surgery
Big decision do I do neobladder or use a bag. An thoughts on this
@asbarra - Welcome to this group. I had RC/IC in 2014 and chose a bag. I have no body issues wearing one as no one sees it and can wear anything I did pre-surgery. I worked through the leaks that we all have in the beginning. Long story short - the bag works for meet we and i moved on with my life and have no problems using it whatsoever. That being said, some people prefer a Neo or IP and that is fine. A few thoughts and suggestions - do a little research on each and then speak to or meet with someone who has each of them. Ask questions and find out how the surgery went and how their recovery and after was. I think you will find that most people are happy with the diversion they chose. It is very important to have a surgeon who is very experienced in the diversion that you choose. Some are only experienced with one and may push you to have that one. I was 63 when I had RC/IC in 2014. I have absolutely no regrets but that is me. Find a stellar surgern, choose that diversion that best fits your life and needs. I wish you the very best and know that this is a life changing and possibly life saving choice. Please ask away if there are more questions on here as you will find people with Neo's and IC's will add comments. Good luck and my best to you. Linda Urbanski (moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
Thank you! Why did you choose the bag vs neobladder
hi. I have a bag. For me this was the only option. My RC was part of a bigger op and was very long. That coupled with how much I was having removed, left it the only option. We have a featured collection on urinary diversion which may help. https://bladdercancer.net/living-with-a-urinary-diversion here is some information and experiences on a neobladder https://bladdercancer.net/coping/neobladder and https://bladdercancer.net/living/decision-neobladder. Here is some on a urostomy bag https://bladdercancer.net/coping/incontinent-diversion-ileal-conduit and https://bladdercancer.net/video/getting-started-with-ostomy Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net thank you! What is it like living with the bag.. I actually have two bags. I colostomy and a urostomy. I live a great life doing all I did before. I work full time in a senior position. I travel abroad for work. I travel long haul for vacation. Next month I will travel from Scotland to Mauritius in the Indian Ocean - 12 hour flight. The recovery takes some time but after, you can do all you did before. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net
You are amazing and so inspirational! Have a wonderful trip! Thank you! 💜
thank you. If you have any specific questions about living with a bag, just ask. Wishing you well. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net
