TURBT
Please can anyone offer me advice? I am based in the UK and took my mum who is 88 years of age into hospital for a routine TURBT procedure. She was an able-bodied very active woman prior to the procedure. It was carried out on 20th July and we were told that everything went fine - although the tumour was malignant.
However, since the day of the procedure my mum has been hospitalised due to urinary and fecal incontinence. Every time she tries to stand up it all comes away from her all over the floor - she cannot feel anything at all and is unaware that it is happening. Needless to say she is devastated and extremely depressed.
The hospital are saying it is just a coincidence that this has happened but I am adamant that it is not - has anyone else had this procedure and suffered from any incontinence problems? Thank you for listening.
@Lisa Curtis - I am not a medical professional and therefore cannot provide medical advice. I am wondering if your mother contacted an infection of some sort. I had two Turbt's during my cancer journey. Both times I went home with a catheter for a few days but did not personally have any issues following the procedure. I know that some people experience pain during urination due to the test causing irritation of the bladder. Have you sought a second opinion as to why this is happening? If she has been in the hospital since July 20th I find that concerning. You mentioned routine TURBT - is this the first one she has had? If not, did she have any issues with a prior TURBT? I agree with you that this should be investigated further for a possible alternative cause. Please keep us updated on how she is doing. My best to you both. Linda Urbanski ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
this was the first TURBT she has had and the Consultant thinks the issues she is having are purely a coincidence?
hi. I am sorry I don’t know have any personal advice to share and I am not medically trained. I am in the UK. I would ask to speak to the consultant to ask what they are doing to work after it what is causing the incontinence. I would ask what investigation or scans they are planning to understand the issue. If you are not getting the answers you need, I would contact PALS who can help you to get the support you need to get answers https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/what-is-pals-patient-advice-and-liaison-service/ I hope things improve for your mum and she is home soon. Wishing her well. Take care and let me know how you go. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net thank you - I will contact PALS in the morning👍
Thank you Laura - I will contact PALS in the morning 👍
@Lisa Curtis - I just read this update and cannot tell you how sorry I am to hear that nothing has changed. Has she been tested for infection or another cause of this? I am not medically trained but wonder if they have provided another explanation. Is the lack of her being aware - feeling- still there or ? Wishing you the best and sending prayers your way. I hope that both of you are able to get answers soon. My best. Linda Urbanski ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
I am so sorry to hear that. Always here even just to listen. Can you ask possibly for a Different consultant to see your mum?. Sending you the strength you need right now at this difficult time. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net
Though I have heard of having constipation and temporary bladder incontinency but I have not heard of fecal incontinency due to TURBT. I wonder if your mum had spinal cord anesthetics (Epidural) for TURBT. I have read though rare, spinal cord anesthetics can cause damage to nerves temporarily or permanently. The NHS site says " The needle or epidural tube can damage nerves, but this is uncommon. Nerve damage can cause loss of feeling or movement in parts of your lower body.
The most common symptom is a small, numb area with normal movement and strength. This usually gets better after a few days or weeks, but can sometimes take months."
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/epidural/side-effects/another thought. How about speaking to you doctor’s surgery and your GP to express your concerns about her being sent home? They may be able to reach out to the consultant on your behalf. You could also ask to speak to the ward manager (nurse in charge) and say you uncomfortable with the decision for your mum to be sent home without any further plan. They could also help to arrange for you to be there when the doctors come round one morning to see her, so you can ask the questions directly. Hope you manage to get done answers. Thinking of you both. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancee.net thanks so much for reaching out. This is what makes our community so special. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net
