Newly diagnosed (6/19/09)

I'm sending you this link on all three of the sites you have joined www.tftptf.com/ It is after the fact but worth looking into.

Regards

Al

My work has stated already I had to be 100% to come back to work, but who knows end of August or so they may have light duty available.
Right now that isn't top of my priority.
let me plagirize a bit. " RIGHT NOW I WANT THIS THING OUT OF ME COMPLETLY" I forget who had that on their blog, sorry.
I'll worry about the next step when it comes up.
If I have to have other treatment later I will worry about that then.
The timing ?'s were basicly a want for a rough estimate, I didn't need anything written in stone.
I am looking at all advice and considering, making sure resources are reputable.
Thanks again & Bless You All

Larry,

Forgot to mention...just click on the link below my name at the bottom left hand corner to get to my westbiste; reading about Rick's experience may help you to be less anxious.

Larry,

You may want to check my website...on it where I list the Indy Pouch, there is a drop down on the illeal conduit...you will find Rick's story about his experience. He did not expect to get the illeal but has adjusted very well and his story is both informative and humorous.

Also...when I asked my doctor how long the surgery would take...his response was just what I wanted to hear..."it will take as long as it takes" which told me he was a perfectionist. As Mike said earlier, it varies. I got the Indy Pouch amd was in for 7 hours but I've seen some posts that indicated it has taken that long for some who have gotten the illieum.

And I agree with Mike...maybe your doctor should be giving you paperwork for "restricted" work schedule so you don't overdo it...you sure don't want to un-do what the doctors spend hours putting together. Melodie

LMFoster wrote:
Larry,

Good list.
To answer your last question, my suggestion would be "no". Fat chance though as it is perfectly normal to be anxious/nervous.

What helped me was doing research and asking questions. It may help you. Just be careful that the research you do is from reputable places and not people trying to scare you into buying something (extract of bat wing, magic crystals, etc.).

For getting back to work, my guess would be that the ileal conduit would be the quickest since it is the simplest surgery out of all of them. 75lbs is actually quite a lot though so I have no idea how long that would take. Is there any way you could get some sort of "restricted duty" type of thing at work so you could come back sooner but just be on limited lifting for a while? Consider it a limited time disability or something?

Can the folks who have had an ileal conduit chime in here with how long it took before they were comfortable lifting 75lbs?

I wouldn't worry so much about OR booking time. If they have complications and it takes longer, they just extend the time. They won't kick you out to come back and finish later. Some people on this site mentioned much longer surgery times, even for an ileal conduit. However, the norm is less. Looks like your doc is allowing for some buffer just in case.

You should also ask your doc how much experience he has doing "nerve sparing" surgery when removing the prostate. This is quite important! You want LOTS of experience with that!!

Mike

To all that are helping on my Journey, and doing there their best to educate me, let me say I am a slow but eager student. I made an appointment for a 3rd opinion - but unfortunately Dr Chang can't see me until July 23. I am waiting for my Urologists answers to my questions, I e-mailed him over the weekend.

1: To the best of my memory your preference is the Illeal?
Please give the reasons again
2: How many of each have you performed? If I may What were the survival rates?
a:Illeal
b:Indi-pouch
c:Neo-Bladder
3: I've been told the OR is reserved for 3 1/2 hours, is this your anticipated time for surgery-
plus a couple of hours for recovery?
4: Can you give me an estimate on time before I can return to work- I have to be able to lift 75# to be able to go back?
5: I think I understood you to say I will be in the hospital 1 week minimum, is that correct?

11 days to my next step-do I continue to get more anxious/nervous?????