Alister
So sorry you are here. I wish you didn't need to be here. But Welcome Welcome Welcome.
I have a neo bladder. It is an amazing work of the surgeon's skill. It is a bladder replacment made from your intestine. My surgeon also removed my prostate and replumbed me so I work normally.... almost. There are leakage issues and surprises in the night but I will take the trade off.
I have never needed to catherize yet. I was fortunate NOT to have an infection and I am looking at the long term optimistically. I have found that I must maintain a schedule for bathroom visits. It seems as though the bladder fills up, and if I don't keep the schedule, I get a strong pain in my kidney area. My Dr. says this is not good and I must void by the clock.
There must be some kidney worries, as I am always tested each visit for checkups. Along with blood, urine, and scans each visit. (this started as every 3 months.... but now, 3 years out, I am in the 6 month checkup group)
The Dr determined that you can have a neobladder is a good sign. not everyone is that lucky. You must be in good health and have a positive lifestyle for him to invest 6-8 hours in surgery to preform this operation. Not everyone qualifies. Men are more likely to get a neo, as women have difficulty with this and are likely to another method.
I am sure there are others who will chime in here and have a go at this. So you will realize how lucky you are.
I am sure you feel lucky indeed
Sorry, just a bit of neo comedy.
Best of luck
George