Cystectomy

[oldbiker]

Searched & could not find anything on the forum. I have just had a Radical Cystectomy. I know I can adapt to my hammock but, if anyone has been through this I would appreciate any tips or tricks to speed me on my way. Thanks in advance.

Robert

[dkurfiss]

I have had some surgeries that have left me with limited mobility. A good example is me getting up and out of a gathered end hammock without some assistance. Below is what I did to accommodate that:

1) Installed ridge line on all my hammocks so I have something to grab on and pull myself up with
2) Walking stick. I always place one where I can hold of it so I can use my upper body strength instead of core muscles
3) Hennessy Classic (bottom opening) hammock. This is the real winner. I can pull myself up using the ridge line and just pop my feet out to set up. I would not be camping if I had not begin using the HH Classic.

If you have more question about any of the above, PM me.

[oldbiker]

Thanks Deb. I will be starting with a few of your suggestions. With the complete bladder removal I think drainage will be the problem. The pouch I wear is not big enough for all night. I will have no sensation to wake me wake up when the bag is full. I can piggie back a leg bag that together might do the whole night. The larger bed bag I use @ night, the drain tube can't work going up & over the side of the hammock. Hopefully the bag on my stomach coupled with a leg bag will have enough capacity. Just had this done a week ago so no where near to start working this out. They told me 6-8 weeks. Just trying to research while stuck in the house.

[BillyBob58]

How about setting an alarm to wake you up in time to empty the bag before it is too full? That bottom entry HH might be useful for allowing a tube to exit down and out and connect to a larger bag outside the hammock.

[oldbiker]

Thanks BillyBob that's a great idea. It hadn't hit me to use a slot in bottom for tube to pass through. I have a couple HH Explorer zips but I could get any of my hammocks modified with a small slot for the tube to pass through. I am sure that will work. I'm seeing sewn on loops for bag hangers. Swinging on the pain pills slows my thinking down.

Robert

[oldbiker]

Thanks IRONFISH. Might look @ a bridge. I have a HH Classic bottom entry in my collection I bought for a Grand boy who has outgrown it. Tried it myself but it's to short. I use 11' gathered ends of different kinds. I've got over 20 different ones in my Gear box. When I recoupe I'll select one & put a hole in it (reinforced of course) & give that a try. I've never tried the bridge but have been fascinated with them.

[IRONFISH45]

I find the Bridge an "easy exit" I do not get the "bucket" affect I get with the gathered end hammocks. Plus I jever get any ridges to deal with. I just sort of plant my fanny, lay down and a few minutes later I am asleep, usually for several hours. No kicking and flailing around to exit.

I have owned most of the hammocks however the RR is the easiest to exit and I like the openess. I use a SLD as my emergency back up. Sometimes the RR is too long to find an appropriate place.

[OutandBack]

oldbiker I don't have any advice I just wanted to say I am glad to see you posting again. With the operation being a success did the doc say you are cancer free now?

[oldbiker]

I appreciate you asking OutandBack. He said everything looked good & he did not expect any surprises. Pathology report should have came into his office today. He will call me this week with the results. We fought it for 5 year & 6 operations trying to save it but had to give it up before it jumped.

Robert

[IRONFISH45]

I am glad the situation is looking better and I am glad you posted. I remember when you began your oddessy.