Unfortunately my dad had his bladder removed and replaced with a neobladder which was made from part of his intestine. He had a very hard recovery but it was due to severe adhesions and a bowel completely deformed. I believe in my heart of hearts that the exterior bad would have been alot easier on him. I know several with exterior bags and they have lived plenty of wonderful years with it and no problems! Good luck and keep positive!

Hello Z,I am a 63 year old male. I had a RC 14 Months ago, I also have a stoma with an external bag. For the most part everything has gone well. I was concerned how I would get any sleep at night. I use a night drainage container beside the bed and it works very well. So far I have had to change my flange only once a week. I still work every day as a auto mechanic (self employed) How are you doing? Any questions? Just ask.

I had my bladder removed in august this year for bladder cancer,i live with a illeal conduit and ostomy bag i,ve also had a radical cystectomy its only been a few months since i had the surgery,i am unfortunatly undergoing chemo at the moment so i kinda feel crap!! however i dreaded living with a bag,but found its not as bad as i thought,the surgery was hell and i,m still trying to come to term,s with the fact that i no longer have a bladder,but i,m alive! sometimes i find it hard to cope with the fact that i no longer have a bladder but a bag which can sometimes leak!! i,m 46yrs and a mother and wife,my love life is a no no right now,but i guess thats due to the chemo,but its been a positive experiance, after all i,m alive

Hi Zfritz, Just wanted you to know that my dad had bladder cancer surgery in August of 2005. He had his bladder completely removed and is living with a stoma and an external bag. He is 84 years old and is doing great. He only has to replaced his flange and pouch about once a week. Once in a while he has a problem with it leaking but nothing he can't handle with changing it. He uses a night foli bag so he can sleep peacefully all night. If you have any other questions please post and write to me. I am willing to help and support anyway I can. Good luck. Hugs, from worried daughter.

I had my cystoprostectomy little overe two years ago. At first I had lot of trouble with the bag and used several diffent branks before I found the one that worked best for me. I called companies and they sent samples for me to try. Aftercare went Ok once I found a good WOCN nurse who knew something about Stomas. Of course I have had thoughs about the illea conduit and the external bag, but the choice was dying so I am accepted it; mos time I do not even notice it. I get 5 to 7 days wear with base plate or flange. I change bag daily. I have night bag and it works OK. At first some entanglements but I now use a velcro strap to tie it to upper leg and that seems to work. I can even sleep on the stoma side.
Biggest challenge was to find a good leg bag for those times when you can not get to a toilet. Finally found one that works great for me. I am more than willing to advise and provide all the info I have. I do not want to use brand names but if you send me Email I will tell you what I use and other products that I have found useful.

I have no advice. I am facing surgery and I am scared to death, but reading the replies you received, I just feel not so quite alone. I'm 59 and in overall good health and just didn't expect this and I am having a difficult time accepting the idea that this will be how I will be living.

Hi Zfritz,
you can do anything you put your mind to. My dad did and he lived 3 1/2 years with the stoma and external bag. Like I mentioned in my other reply...he had a few challenges, leaking once in a while etc. but most of the time he lived a very normal life. Remember he was 81 when he started this whole procedure and if he can do it so can you. Just stay positive. Write back anytime if you have more questions...lean on friends...they will be there for you. lots of hugs. worried daughter

Hi Zfritz,
you can do anything you put your mind to. My dad did and he lived 3 1/2 years with the stoma and external bag. Like I mentioned in my other reply...he had a few challenges, leaking once in a while etc. but most of the time he lived a very normal life. Remember he was 81 when he started this whole procedure and if he can do it so can you. Just stay positive. Write back anytime if you have more questions...lean on friends...they will be there for you. lots of hugs. worried daughter

May,9, 2018
hello everyone. I just had surgery last month and recovery was a little slow due to complications but knock on wood, everything was ok. I'm having trouble accepting my new life with the new bag on my side. Does anyone have any positive feedback for me as I really some.