The die is cast

[SrMaggie]

I went to the uro (Dr. E) today. Who ever took my call wrote down that I wanted to talk about Interstim. When the nurse read it she was confused - because I have an interstim. I told her I was talking about Bladder removal. She thought I was talking about Interstim removal. When Dr. E came in, I said I had some questions. #1 How long would I be in the hospital. He says, "I'll take it out and you can go home that day" My eyebrows shot up and I said - to take out my bladder???? Well, we got things straight. He says there's nothing else I can do. The interstim is working but when the bladder is the size of a teacup, it can't do anymore. He said there is no way it will stretch anymore, so... come August, I will be looking at surgery. I can't go any sooner because of other commitments - but if I could go tomorrow I sure would. I've had it. I'm feeling very relieved to have made the decision.
Keep me in prayer.
Maggie

[vm]

Definitely keeping you in prayer. Sometimes all the stuff leading up to the actual decision is the worst, huh? :kissing: Glad you feel settled in your decision.

[leelee88]

:pray: :pray:

[Bessie]

Keeping you in my prayers :pray: :pray: :pray:

[ICNDonna]

Making the decision is one of the hardest parts --- the other hard part is waiting for the procedure. It sounds like you are comfortable with your decision. Be sure to remind me as the time gets closer so I can say some special prayers for you on your surgery day.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[Georgia L]

you will certainly be in my prayers!

[patricia1]

Maggie I will for sure keep you in my prayers.:pray:

One of the hardest decision you will ever have to make in your life, you made. And in your post I can tell you are relieve, happy and glad that you and your doctor agree and that this is what is best for you. One thing about the InterStim, which we all know, is that it will not help rebuild or correct the problems of IC.

Best of luck to you and I hope August gets here before you know it. HUGS to you.

[Sarojini]

I so hope this is the answer for you... I'm glad you are through the decision making process, though. I know that deciding to do the Interstim was hard enough for me and took me several months of deep thought and research... I imagine deciding on a more radical approach like bladder removal must be all the harder!!!

I know your surgery isn't for a while, but I'm wishing you the best of luck as you prepare... and, you have a great doc ;) He put my 'Stim in and did a wonderful job...

[Trishann]

Maggie, I know this is a hard decision but I do know that sometimes you got to do what is necessary. Like Donna said, let us know when you are having the surgery so we can be praying for you. I am glad you are sure in what you want to do because this is part of the battle. I think that is a battle in itself and conquering that I think you can conquer anything.

Please remember to let us know,
Hugs, Trishann

[ICLori]

Keeping you in my prayers - I hope you will soon have a pain-free life! :)

Blessings,
Lori

[SharonA]

Oh Maggie...I most defiantly will be praying for you. I also hope this will be the answer.

[SandyRN]

I hope that this decision brings you the relief you deserve. You do so much for others, it's definately time to take care of yourself. Please let us know how you're doing. I have seen Dr. Evans myself and know you're in great hands with him.

:pray:

Thinking of you, Sandy

[Judith56]

As you know Maggie, I am here for you and ready to answer your questions and be of any help that you need. I know how hard that decision os to come to having to make myself. Once it is all over and you are healed, you may find like others, that you wonder why you waited so long!I am keeping you in my thoughts. Judith

[Kara29]

Maggie,

If you need anything, we are all here for you! I had my bladder taken out in 2002 and then reconstructed in 2006.

Kara:angel:

[i-can-beat-this]

I am sure that everyone will keep you in their thoughts and prayers. You seem very confident in your decision and I wish you all the best. Just remember that everything happens for a reason!

[ihurttoo]

Maggie,

I know that was a hard decision, but I also know you have thought long and hard about it. I am glad that you feel peace with your choice. I will keep you in my prayers.

Hugs,
Amy

[SrMaggie]

Thanks for all your kind words. I am at peace with the decision. There seems to be another glitch moving in which is too hard to explain here, just keep it in your prayers.
I am moving in July and will probably be about 300 miles away from Dr. E. when the surgery will likely be scheduled. I need to get a second opinion for insurance purposes. I just don't know how to do that. I have a call in to the doc, but I havent' heard from him yet.
Your support means the world to me. I count on it. Whatever I can do for you, let me know.
Maggie

[Texas Baby]

Maggie,
I had my bladdder out in Feb. this year. It was the best decsion I have made yet,since I lost my interstim. I had researched it alot and Got lots of support from the other Icers here! I wish you the best! I will be praying for you!
Hugs & Blessings,
Eva

[SrMaggie]

Eva, I'm anxious to hear how you are doing. This is April and you've had some time to recoup a bit. How are you feeling? What kind of reconstruction did you have? Before you left the hospital, were you completely comfortable with how to take care of yourself? These are some of the concerns others in my family have about the surgery.
I truly hope you are feeling well.
Maggie.

[ICKIRSTI]

GROUP HUGGG!!! I FEEL YOUR PAIN! I'M SO WORRIED ABOUT MINE AS WELL BECAUSE IT ALREADY HOLDS SO LITTLE!! YOU ARE INDEED IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.. I ADMIRE YOUR COURAGE. KEEP ON YOUR TRACK AND DON'T EVER LOOK BACK!! WISHING YOU THE BEST OF HEALTH AND SENDING YOU THE WARMEST OF REGARDS .. less trips to the lavatory sure would be nice too ay?? :angel: KJD

[countrygrl]

I am 5 months out from my surgery. It was a rough go at first but I have NO REGRETS!! I pray all goes well and you have a good Dr. Just get books magizines and plenty of movies to watch because for the first few weeks you are not going to feel up to much. Also loose clothing I stayed mainly in gowns for 4 wks do to the tubes.But now I am up and going when I was able to go for 3hrs before going to the little girls from I wanted to throw a party!:smile tee I know how you feel and I hope time flies by fast and you get the relief you so deserve.If any ?? dont hesitate to ask. Also everyone here are great listeners and walking info. Good Luck and Wishes:pray:

[mum43]

I had my op in november last yr.
For a while everything went ok, but 5 months done the line I am having some very bad problems, and have to have it all done again.
This does' not mean things like this happen to everyone,infact there are some really good sucess stories on here from people who have had the same op as m and are living a normal and healthy life.
I wish you all the best.
take care xxx