Urostomy vs. Suprapubic Catheter - Seeking Advice on Incontinence Management

I currently have an SPT due to stricture and scar tissue blockage from radiation treatment for prostate cancer. I have to wear adult diapers due to incontinence. I'm considering getting a urostomy so as not to be burdened with perpetual diaper usage. Any thoughts or suggestions to help me make my decision?

I had Tomo radiation therapy last year for prostate cancer. 46 treatments. I don't have any side effects. Perfect continence. I avoided surgery because I was worried about continence issues. Sorry to hear you're going through this. Hopefully, others here can offer experienced advice.

Thanks. I made the same decision you did. My blockage started three years after I finished my treatment. However, I know several people who have no problems. It was fate on my part.

Whoa. Three years!

My Radiation Oncologist did mention long-term side effects. Hope you get relief.

I don't know if I can help you or not. I have a urostomy. I had bladder cancer. I had two options: 1. neobladder 2. urostomy. Both are major surgeries, but I chose urostomy because both options had the possibility of leaks. With a neobladder, I was going to self-catheterize, and that didn't sound like fun. I was going to have to remember to go to the bathroom because there was no feeling telling me to go, and there were other things that swayed my decision.

With a urostomy, there can be leaks. At first, it was leaking a lot until I found the right product that worked for me and gained more knowledge about it. I think I have been pretty lucky with it not leaking since then. I only had two leaks since finding the product for me. Once, my dog's claw poked a small hole in the bag. The other was at night with the nighttime bag. I did a big stretch in bed and it pulled it apart.

I think I've been lucky, and I hope my luck doesn't run out. I hope this helps you.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Thank you for the feedback. Where did you find the right product to help with the leakage? Is there a website to order supplies from? Do you have an ostomy nurse that gets you started until you are comfortable with ordering supplies yourself?

Yes, I had an ostomy nurse. I started with Convatec, but I was having too many leaks. Then I tried Hollister and the leaks stopped. You will have to find the right product that will work for you. Listed below is a list of manufacturers of ostomy pouching systems.

Blanchard Ostomy Products
818-242-6789
Karaya wafers, pouches, etc., for ileostomy, urostomy.

Coloplast Corp.
800-533-0464
Full product line: SenSura, Assura, ColoKids, and a full line of accessories.

ConvaTec
800-422-8811
Full product line: Sur-Fit Natura, Active Life, Moldable Technology.

Cymed Ostomy Co.
800-582-0707
Full product line including the MicroSkin Ostomy Pouching System.

Fortis Medical Products
855-550-2600
New line of Entrust ostomy products and medical supplies.

Hollister Incorporated
888-808-7456
Full product line: CeraPlus, New Image, Premier, Adapt, CeraRing, m9, Pouchkins.

Marlen Manufacturing & Development Co.
216-292-7060
Full product line: Ultra Duet, Ultra, Skin Shield.

Nu-Hope Laboratories, Inc.
800-899-5017
Full line of pouches, hernia belts, non-adhesive systems.

Perma-Type Company, Inc.
860-747-9999
Custom-fabricated ostomy appliances and accessories.

Safe n Simple
844-767-6334
Full Product Line: Cleansers, Barrier Films, Powder, Arcs, Paste, Deodorant, Stoma Caps, Silicone Tape, and Security Hernia Belts.

Schena Ostomy Technologies, Inc.
239-263-9957
EZ-Clean™ Ostomy Pouching System.

Securi-T USA
800-323-4060
Lower cost “Equivalent” products.

Torbot Group, Inc.
800-545-4254
Full product line, including customized appliances.