Being told that you need to have your bladder removed and live life with a urinary diversion can feel frightening, and in the run-up to your operation you are bound to have lots of questions. The Urostomy Association is here for you, however you may be feeling, and we are here for your family too.
There’s our helpline you can call, and we also have lots of information, tips and resources on our website, where you’ll also find inspirational, real-life stories from urostomates who are embracing life again.
If you’d like to speak to someone who knows from their own experience what it is like going through surgery and adapting to life weeing differently, we’ll link you up with one of our trained ‘buddies’ for a chat over the phone, or in person where possible. We will try to put you in touch with someone who has the same type of urinary diversion that you are about to have. You’ll find our contact details here.
Thinking ahead
As the day of your op draws closer, there’ll be lots to think about, from what to pack for your hospital stay to arranging a lift home after you’ve been discharged. We’ve put together some practical tips to help make life a little easier at what can feel like a stressful time.
Top tips before your surgery
- Think what you’d like to eat when you return home from hospital. Then do your food shop, prepare some meals and pop them in your freezer
- Set up a comfortable space at home for rest and relaxation. Make sure you’ll have everything you need close to hand while you recuperate
- Arrange transport to and from hospital
- Remember to get prescriptions or over-the-counter supplies in advance
- Let family and friends know you’ll need their help and delegate household tasks for the first few weeks
- Arrange for help with looking after your children or other loved ones, as well as your pets if need be
- Arrange with your employer about the need for time off work and when you will talk about returning
- Read our ‘Pre op’ information page
- Meditation and mindfulness can be helpful if you’re feeling anxious. The Royal College of Anaesthetists’ website – https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/patients – has some resources you might find helpful.
What to pack for your hospital stay
- Nightclothes, dressing gown
- Underwear and socks
- Comfortable day clothes
- A hand towel
- Toiletries, such as toothpaste, soap, deodorant and shaving products
- Hairbrush or comb
- Sanitary products
- Books and magazines
- Chargers for your phone and tablet
- Headphones to listen to music or films on your devices
- Glasses and contact lenses
- Eye mask and earplugs, if you find these help you sleep
What to have for when you return home
- The urostomy supplies you need. Your stoma nurse will advise you on how to get your prescription filled
- A mattress protector (see our ‘Directory of suppliers’ information page)
- Good lighting in the bathroom for bag changes
- A list of all the phone numbers you might need, for your stoma or district nurse, for example.
No-one knows what to pack better than someone who has already been through surgery for a urinary diversion. Gill, a member of our Cambridge branch, said:
“The best advice given to me was to have a long phone charger, as the power supply is likely to be a long way from the bed. And you will need a few toiletries, including something to freshen your face. I wore a hospital gown, so didn’t need a nightdress.
“It’s a good idea to wear into hospital something that’s loose and comfortable, as you’ll need those to go home in. Your abdomen will feel very different when you go home from when you went in.”
Thank you for your tips, Gill!