Loss of spontaneous voiding

[kevins]

I'm told that when you get bladder augmentation you're stuck using a catheter. Do you have to use a catheter all the time? Can you partially void sometimes (like at work) and use the catheter at home? What does it feel like, etc. Any experiences would be welcome.

[Judith]

When I had my augmentation I was unable to void on my own and had to use a catheter, if I tried VERY hard I was able to squeeze out tiny amounts of urine, but not enough to relieve myself. Once you learn to use a catheter it is no big deal and one can easily do it anywhere. My augmentation though was unsuccessful in that within 8 months I had to get a cystectomy because the IC had spread to the newly augmented section. Judith