Living a Healthy Life After Bladder Surgery

Bladder surgery is primarily performed to treat bladder cancer. However, the doctor may also suggest it in cases of other bladder issues, including a dropped bladder or bladder prolapse, as well as loss of bladder control or urinary incontinence. Depending on your health condition, the doctor may select either of the following procedures.

• Cystectomy: In this procedure of bladder removal, the surgeon removes either a part or the entire bladder. It is usually performed in case of bladder cancer to stop the tumour from expanding.
• Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor: Also known as TURBT, the surgeon uses a long, thin tool with a camera at one end. The bladder tumor is located and resected.
• Urinary Reconstruction and Diversion: This bladder surgery is performed to make a new way for the body to store and pass urine.
• Retropubic Suspension: Under this procedure, the surgeon lifts the sagging bladder by moving it and the urethra back to their usual positions.

A bladder surgery may be a life-changing procedure. After the surgery, you will be asked to remain in the hospital for a few days, and the care team will monitor your health. The surgery may affect the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the patients. If you or your loved one is going to undergo bladder removal, it is crucial to learn about living a healthy lifestyle after the surgery.

Hygiene Practices after Bladder Surgery

After the surgery, the doctor will attach an outside pouch to collect the urine. Here’s how to live healthily with the pouch.

• Empty the pouch when it is one-third full to keep it flat.
• Put some toilet paper in the washroom to keep urine from splashing when you empty the pouch.
• Close the spout on the pouch after emptying and changing it.
• Change the pouch in the morning before eating or drinking.
• You can try pouch deodorants to keep foul smells away.  

Dietary Instructions after Bladder Surgery

What you eat contributes directly to your well-being, especially during the recovery period. After the surgery, the surgeon or their team will give you elaborate instructions on what to eat, what to avoid, and how to manage your diet.

• Start with eating small portions of food at regular intervals. It will prevent discomfort and bloating. After the surgery, your digestive system will take some time to return to its routine. In such a case, you must avoid filling your stomach with larger meals.
• Keep yourself hydrated with a lot of water. It will flush out all the toxins from the body and keep infections at bay.
• Do not consume alcohol or caffeine in any form, as they tend to irritate the new urinary output system.
• Ensure you consume a fiber-rich diet containing fruits, vegetables, and lentils. Consuming fiber in reasonable portions keeps constipation away. Stick to a healthy diet in the long run to maintain your wellness.
• As you start recovering, try to increase your protein intake by incorporating food items, such as meat, eggs, and milk products. A protein-rich diet helps with tissue repair.

Physical Therapy after Bladder Surgery

In addition to a healthy diet, you need to focus on maintaining your physical fitness in the long run. Physical rehabilitation focuses on improving flexibility, strength, endurance, and movement.

• Introduce light exercises, such as walking or moving your ankles and legs, after the surgery to avoid stiffness. Moving your body regularly improves blood circulation.
• Once you become more comfortable, start increasing the intensity of exercise from mild to moderate. At this point, you can try brisk walking and stretching. These movements will improve your cardiac function.
• Bladder surgery weakens abdominal muscles. Therefore, you must practice core-strengthening exercises to strengthen the abdominal and pelvic muscles.

Emotional Support after Bladder Surgery

A bladder surgery may affect your emotional wellness. The procedure may be overwhelming for many patients. You may experience various emotions that are hard to handle.

• Accept your feelings after the procedure. Your body indeed undergoes a lot of changes, and if you do not accept these changes, it will keep disrupting your mental health.
• It is okay to get support from your family, friends, and therapist to overcome the negative feelings and emotions. Talk to them about your feelings; it will make you feel lighter.
• You can connect with people online or offline who have been through the same situation. It will help you discuss your feelings more openly, and you may feel more motivated.
• Getting help from your loved ones is the best way to come out of emotional and mental anxiety. Communicate with your loved ones and tell them when you need their help.
• Recovery after bladder removal may not always be smooth. There may be some setbacks. Some people may take longer than others. Instead of rushing it, take baby steps. Celebrate small achievements, such as walking without support. It will make you feel good.

Takeaway

You can live as healthily as you want after bladder surgery. Just follow the above-listed instructions regularly. In case of bleeding, side effects, or any other discomfort, contact the doctor for medical assistance.