Jose AE
""It's been 10 days since my RC, 6 days since I was discharged. Not much pain, barely used pain meds (on demand at the hospital) or at home. My main issues have been leakages and swelling. I placed a roll of gauze on the left side of my belly where there was (or still is?) a drainage hole. That was done to replace a gauze bandage which got all soaked with what I think is abdominal fluid. Still experimenting with different bags, though apparently 2 piece appliances seem to do better. Shortly after getting discharged I developed severe swelling in my right leg/foot and (this is for the guys) scrotum. I kept my right leg mostly raised up for the next 24 hours and that made the swelling disappear. As for the scrotal swelling, I have tried ice packs and/or sleeping with a rolled towel between my legs but so far the swelling remains. Any suggestions?""
@Jose AE - I am happy to hear that you are doing so well and seem to be figuring out things quickly and on your own! You are doing great only 10 days out for sure. I used compression stockings in the hospital and was sent home with them to use post surgery also. I suggest asking your doctor if that may help with the leg swelling. It may take a while to determine which bag system you like best as things seem to change as the swelling goes down. There also can tend to be leaks during this time for the same reason - as the abdomen goes back to the pre surgery shape. I hope that others will comment as to some suggestions for your other swelling, Thank you for updating us and congrats on doing so well so soon post surgery. You will do just fine. Please continue to reach out with updates and any questions that we may be able to assist with. My very best to you. Linda Urbanski (moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
Hey. Good to hear from you and so soon after surgery. It sounds like you are doing well overall. If you do still have fluids coming from your drainage hole, you should definitely ask your medical team to dress the properly for you to ensure you don't get any infection. Swelling is natural in this areas after surgery. I tried to find where others had commented on this but hopefully other males can chime in here. Wishing you well as you continue your recovery. Laura, Moderator, BladderCancer.net