Bladder choices & pantyhose

17 years 2 months ago #3411 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic Bladder choices & pantyhose
Well Jean i'm glad you don't need 3 hands.....the 3 weeks i had the external pouch i sure needed them....every other bag leaked or fell off....i got a severe reaction to the adhesive....i'm allergic to latex........but i was just venturing an opinion. And you're right the mind and body will adjust to whatever it has to. But for me having an option and having done the research the Indiana Pouch was the right decision for me.

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17 years 2 months ago #3410 by Jmema
Replied by Jmema on topic Bladder choices & pantyhose
Hi,
I just wanted to post this in case you have your surgery, for some reason you end up with an ileal conduit like many of us. I am 72 years old, have very sensetive skin so I was very afraid of skin problems but because of a wonderful stoma nurse teaching me all the tricks I have had very little trouble with skin problems and the few that I had were easily corrected. I have very bad arthritis in my hands and you DO NOT need three hands to change a bag. The first few times I was all thumbs and terrified and now it's like second nature, so I don't want anyone to be frightened if they end up with the bag. It's not the end of the world and sure beats the alternative. My kids joke constantly that "Momma has a brand new Bag". I would rather not have had cancer at all but you deal with what you have to deal with and all in all it's not so bad. The bag doesn't bother me most of the time, especially not when I have my grandbabies on my lap. ;)
Blessings....Jean

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17 years 2 months ago #3379 by MrsRich1
Replied by MrsRich1 on topic Bladder choices & pantyhose
Hi Nancy--Don't know if you have had your surgery yet--You didn't say when it would be.  I did have to reply to your note to say thank you for the chuckle.  I had my RC Feb 2006--had the Neobladder.  I was feeling a bit down because I have not yet acheived continence and your note was just what the doctor ordered.
God bless you as you face your surgery.  I just hope all will go as well as it did for me.  This continence thing seems to be ongoing, but I'll master it yet and since that will not be an issue with you, I am praying that your recovery is quick and complete.
BTW--I had an indwelling epidural along with the general anesthesia and I would recommend it highly.  NO PAIN after my surgery except for one night after the epidural was removed and even that was bearable --especially after a shot of Demerol ;).
Good luck and God bless,
Ellen

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17 years 2 months ago #3321 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic Bladder choices & pantyhose
Oh my gosh..its a no contest....The Indiana Pouch is awsome....you won't even know its there after time...the body is a remarkable thing...it just adjusts . And the cathing isn't a big deal.....my stoma is at my naval...easy to get to (especially if in a traffic jam...keep a mayonaisse jar in the car!!!)..actually that only happened once!!........Now granted you have to train it but its trainable and easy and there are no nerves there so it doesn't hurt,....it won't take you any more time than sitting down and you will never sneeze and leak again. A lot of people are allergic to the adhesives with the external bags...they frequently leak ...you need at least 3 hands to change them........aaargh......Indiana is my choice most definately. My stomach is flat...my scars are gone....no bag!!! Pat

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17 years 2 months ago #3188 by Martha
Replied by Martha on topic Bladder choices & pantyhose
Nancy,
I had my radical cystectomy in October. I had the choice of the bag or neo-bladder. I opted for the bag. No problems. As far as pantyhose, I am buying a size larger and staying away from the control tops. Also have found stretch panties that will keep you from "jiggling".
Martha

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17 years 2 months ago #3112 by Jmema
Replied by Jmema on topic Bladder choices & pantyhose
Hi Nancy,
I looked at your thread and maybe I missed it but I don't know how old you are. I am 72 and had the external bag because of the amount of intestine used for the indiana pouch. I could not have the neobladder because of the location of my cancer. I also have always had IBS and wanted to minimize my chances of having intestinal problems. I really do think if I were younger I would have gone the extra mile and had the indiana pouch but the bag isn't bad.....really. You get used to it and it sort of becomes part of you. I had some real issues with it at the beginning...my surgery was Oct. 19th. but now it lasts 4 days with no problem and it would go longer but becaue of bacteria I don't like to leave it more than 4 days.
This was a very special Christmas for me. I came out of my surgery cancer free and didn't have to have any chemo so spending the day with my children, grandchildren and greatgrandson was like a dream. So MEMA got all dresssed up. To the 9's actually and had on panty hose and all. It's amazing what you can do with the right attitude. I hope whatever you decide you have the best outcome possible.
Blessings and best wishes....Jean

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