Alan,
I just had my surgery late July; I had some bad episodes of leaking during August, September and into October; I had so much mucus in the beginning that I had to cath every 2 hours for the first two weeks...oh boy was I exhausted! Then into the 3rd week I was able to move up to 2.5 hours and after a month, was able to go 3 hours. I think it was a good 8 weeks before I was able to sleep 4 hours at a time...then in October things seemed to get much better and I went to 5 hours...and I was so happy as I so badly needed to get more sleep! Hang in there...things will improve.
I don't know if this idea will help you or not but it did for me; my doctor prescribed Levsinex, generic for Hyoscyamine...it helps calm the bladder...I was taking it twice daily but now have cut back to one a day. Also, Pat sent me a link for a wonderful stoma dressing that is made in Finland, expensive, but worth the cost to me (my insurance won't cover). My dear, lovely stoma "Rosebud" is very particular about her appearance and doesn't like any mucus to accumulate on her, if so, she gets "pissed" off so to speak and leaks. I found that this dressing keeps the wet off of her and she is very cooperative with me as long as I keep her clean. I haven't had any real problems with leaking since I began using these dressings. Now it could be a combination of the Levsinex and the dressings, I won't be certain until I stop the prescription but my doctor suggested I continue to take it for the first year.
Alan, stay strong and confidant that things will improve...truely we BC warriors have learned that patience is a virtue and one that we must embrace.
Your friend, Melodie