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Sharon, a second opinion might be helpful in making this decision. You don't say where you live but there are many speciality places in the US who do RC's and neo-bladders as well as Indiana-Pouch's. It might ease your mind on the better route. sorry if this message is repeating, but i cannot get it to

Sharon,
I have a neobladder and am very active. With some regular exercises (Kegals), I am able to control 90% of accidental leaking. The neobladder is much better than a pouch. I can say this with some experience. After some complications, I had a colostomy for about 4 months. Prior to this, I had often thought that I would be better off with a pouch - more convienent I thought and simplier. I view the colostomy as a sign. Although it is a differernt function, it gave me an insight to dealing with a "bag". I have loved my neobladder ever since. I think you will too. Good Luck and god bless.

Sharon,
I agree that you should get a second opinion. Of you do decide to get a neo bladder you should find a doctor that specializes in women and neo bladder's. Our urethra is much smaller than a man's and can lead to problems gaining continence if it is shortened to much. You might also try the American Bladder cancer Society for more opinions. The more people you here from the more comfortable you will be with your choice. Wishing you the best which ever way you go.

Charlotte

Thanks everyone for your insight. It has been helpful. Just dreading the day of my surgery which is almost here...I know I am young and very active so I should hopefully sail thru the surgery. My Dr to told me to go have some fun and enjoy the sun for a few more weeks but put the deadline of Sept 4th. I will keep reading and hopefully be able to make a decision by then.

Sharon i do think you need a second opinion on this even though your surgery date is quickly approaching. You want a surgeon who does this surgery all the time..there are just a few out there who specialize in women and bladder cancer. I have had the Indiana Pouch for over 5 yrs with a naval stoma. It causes me no problems and i've never had a UTI. The neo is pretty tricky on a female..success rates are not that high just simply because we have a shorter urethra..that leads to hypo or hypercontinence and UTI's..the men have it made. The Indiana is a bit more difficult to do and not all have that expertise. If you tell me where you are located i can recommend a major center or surgeon very experienced in this.
Pat

Pat I am going to VA Mason in Seattle WA.

I know of two people who went to the U. of Washington Medical Center to Dr. Paul Lange
http://medical.washington.edu/...alId=16036
He does a lot of reconstructive surgery and i know for sure he does the Indiana Pouch and i can put you in touch with someone who has had it done by him. I checked VA Mason and i only saw one uro specialist there who was not mainly into other cancers,ie. prostate, breast...and it was a female Dr. Vuky
https://www.virginiamason.org/home/body.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=1175&action=detail&ref=515
Here's the U of W's main listing and phone numbers..they are in the top 10 hospitals in the US. So a second interview with a top surgeon might be a good idea especially if you want the Indiana Pouch.
There are some great places in California like USC/Norris and UCSF and also a great surgeon up in Portland if you want to travel. Pat

http://uwmedicine.washington.e...HINT=Guest
sorry i forgot the link to U. of W.
Pat

I have a neo blader 8 months now I am very pleased with my new bladder. Way better than peeing all the time. You can do it. Mine was done my robot and 2 surgens. Don

Well my Indiana was done laproscopically and i pee 4 times a day and sleep all night.......I highly recommend it for women. You guys do great with the neos'...no so much the women........Pat

hi - i am 59yr old female and am now 8 wks post op after having neobladder - had urethral and suprapubic removed last week - they were in for 6 wks instead of 4 because i had to wait for my surgeon to return from holiday ( this man works 7 days a week visits 6 hospitals and goes back to the hospital in india that trained him whilst on holiday, and does operations there - he visited me every day for the two weeks after my op - so this is no ordinary surgeon !!!!! ) I felt i had to comment here because i too had only read such NEGATIVE thing about neobladder after i was diagnosed on 4th june 2008 i was in turmoil as to which option to go for - bladder or bag - well the op was certainly no walk in the park it was every bit as unpleasant as i had read about however my next big fear was when the catheters were removed would my bladder work, would i have to self-cath well none of the fears materialised and bladder working almost perfectly. yes there is a bit of leaking because its only been ten days without catheters and have not mastered the feeling of when to go to loo - but can certainly hold up to 450ml already in bladder and during day can hold on for up to 5 hrs - night time bit more difficult but then i do tend to drink more than i probably should later than i should. i have great hopes for the future so all those having to choose which way to jump there are POSITIVE stories out there i just don't think enough people WITH positive stories are telling them. hope this helps anybody who takes the time to read it

Carlyn..thats great that you are doing so well so soon..i've read many positive stories 2 weeks after surgery.....write me back in one year and tell me how the neo is doing. I wish i hadn't seen the stats on females and neo's...i was all set to have one. I wish you continued success and please follow up with us...thats what we never see......