Bladder Cancer

[JS1987mom]

I need help! If you have had your bladder removed! My Mom had hers removed in November, and has been experiencing $10 a day plastic bladder bags(she can't afford this). I can't find information for the after bladder removal dilemma. Any links would be great! Or if you would like to contact me [moderator note: e-mail address removed]. I am not with her, my other sister is and I don't quite understand the sizing and two part and one part thing, but would like to understand through someone who has figured it all out. I know that she has a hard time leaving home because they can leak easily. Maybe there might be another way to be more comfortable with living like this. She has no choice now just has to learn how to improve the situation. HELP PLEASE!

[bladderdoc]

There are many things that may help your mother. First - speak with the surgeons who performed the operation. Perhaps a specialized nurse saw your mom in the hospital and they can arrange a follow-up visit. These nurses are called "stoma" nurses or "enterostomal" nurses. They often work with patients who require these collection devices for urine (ileal conduit) or stool (colostomy). Another option may be a wound care center that might have a trained nurse. The appliance she needs comes in either one piece that cannot be disconnected and a two-piece part that allows the portion that attaches to the skin to be removed from the actual collection bag (I prefer the two piece for my patients). These should be covered by her insurance plan, although if she is using multiple per day there may be greater out of pocket expenses. Trying looking for "ostomy supplies" or "urostomy supplies" on the internet. I recommend the company Hollister.

Once your mother learns to apply a correctly sized device she will not have the leakage and she will feel more comfortable going out of the house.

[buzzardfriends]

i also had my bladder removed in august of 2008. i am still learning things that work and dont work. i do know that your ostomy supplier can be very helpful. my supplier suggested using the "skin barrier wipes". they create a barrier on your skin and make the skin very tacky. wipe the skin with this little pad and then apply the wafer. it works great! also it helps to keep the urine off your skin which creates ulcers. ulcers are absolutely no fun. hope this helps. your friend BoB