Back on the Merry-Go-Round

Dear David,
There is such a thing as a urethral stent. I haven't discussed all treatment options with my urologist. I know that he favors self catheterization as a way to keep a stricture open. If it works, maybe it's not so bad. I don't know if there's a reason he wouldn't like to do a stent, or if he would for that matter. I do know that the main complication of stents is that they can migrate. What happens when it moves to the wrong place, I have no clue.

Warren,

Once again, sorry about your pain and discomfort. Hopefully they will find a solution that does not require daily catheterization. This is probably a naive question, but is there any type of flexible stent which would keep the stricture open?
I had a partial TURP when I had my last TURBT back in Nov. and have noticed some changes, mostly the benefit of increased flow and velocity. However I have also noticed a slight "deformity" (no longer straight, but a bit of an upward "bow"), plus a hardness of the urethra, perhaps due to the repeated cystos and TURBT's. Could this be a result of the TURP? (odd, but no real problem I guess)
Bottom line, I guess all this poking in the wrong direction is bound to have consequences of one sort or another. It seems that many of us men share some type of lasting side effects from the frequent and repeated cystos and TURB's, though none of us as bad as yours. :-\

David

Dear Leigh,
It does indeed sound like a stricture, although given the surgery you had, it could be scar tissue that can be removed. I do hope you never experience the pain I've had with my stricture, although, this 3rd stricture crisis seems to be the mildest even though the stricture is very tight.
So now we are brothers, not only with bladder cancer but also with strictures. What a fellowship we make!
I wish you well. As for myself, we won't know until he gets a look into the bladder, but my gut tells me I'm still cancer-free and it will be just my stricture that serves as an eternal reminder of the cancer.

Hello Warren,

I just wanted to wish you all the best with resolving your stricture.

I am not sure if I have the same issue at the moment...on the 20th my Urologist will do a look operation with a scope with local epidural.

The problems I have been having are very weak urine stream and on the odd day a good stream. I have to push quite hard to release urine at times also.

I believe I may have a stricture also as I can no longer self cath and the urologist was unable to get the smallest cath in me on a recent check-up.

If I am unable to urinate between now and the 20th I am told to visit the ER as they may have to release urine through my belly....not sure how...did not ask... sounds painful though....

I will let you know what happens...

Wishing you well and a constant flow....

Leigh

Warren,
You have been so supportive to so many of us. I am so sorry you have to go thru this. You have a great attitude which is 80% of the battle. Good Luck, and you are in my thoughts!

Nancy S
Ta CIS