Hello everyone. I went onto the web to find someone who could give
me some advice, and found this site. Here is my (rather lengthy)
question:

Four years ago I had my urethra removed. This was the last step in
a series of surgeries for bladder cancer. The doctors created an
internal pouch from my illium...a replacement for my own bladder,
which was also removed. They created a stoma in my belly, and
created a valve which was supposed to allow me to use a catheter to
empty my "bladder" so I would not have to wear an appliance. Well,
the valve did not work. So I wear an appliance and also have to
cathetherize myself (through the stoma) several times a day.

Now the surgeon wants to try again. He says I have a 75-80% chance
of success. My other options are to leave well enough alone, or to
get rid of the internal pouch, and resign myself to wearing an
appliance for the rest of my life.

I am having a hard time making the decision. I teach school, and
cannot afford accidents. So if the new valve does not work, I'm
back to square one, after one more expensive surgery. On the other
hand, going to a traditional illeostomy would be a sure thing, and I
would certainly not have to look forward to anymore surgeries.

I would appreciate any thoughts on this delemma, either posted here
or by e-mail.

Thanks,
deVere