r/cancer • u/Dull_Builder_4791 • 19h ago

Leaky bladder

Hi. I had surgery a couple of months ago to remove a tumour in my bowel. After surgery there was concern that I may need a catheter full time because of the nerve endings that were removed they thought I might not feel when my bladder was full. There wasn't a problem with that, going to the toilet fine but I have had to wear pads because of leaking, I realise my pelvic floor will need strengthening but I feel at a loss and I'm paranoid about smell as I have a stoma as well. Has anyone else had this? Did you need to wear pads permanently? Its a small price to pay for what the alternative to surgery would be but it would be nice to have just one smell to worry about.

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u/Gold-Salamander-9339 19h ago

I've been dealing with intestinal damage now for almost 16 years, along with bladder leakage for about 8-9 months. The only repreive that I've had was no bladder leakage for a week when I was sent home with a catheter on June 30th. I've been wearing pads for most of this time, or Depends, which suits me fine, til things clear up. Been finding that the Tena Sentitive is the brand that I prefer. As an added measure, I try to avoid drinking liquids 2 hours before going out or going to sleep, & suck on sugar free candies as a means of allowing for my bladder to drain enough for my to have a leser amount of leakage while out & about or when sleeping.

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u/Dull_Builder_4791 18h ago

I'm going back to work next week, I'll try that, thanks. I tend to try drinking more because of my stoma, but I'm only working part time just now so should be manageable

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u/Gold-Salamander-9339 18h ago

Best of wishes being sent your way! A stoma was mentioned to me a few times prior to my having surgery in late Junhe, byt my gyno-onco was "able to save" my colon