Hi...years ago I used lube or water on the cath before insertion. But, I have so much active mucous that I stopped long ago. Does everyone use lube/water - did your dr. have concerns if you don't?

Hi Janice,

Some of our k-pouchers use a medical lube such as KY jelly but I know one member (Jasmine) who swears by olive oil as a lubricant. She maintained that it has healing properties and is natural and won't harm the valve at all.

Good luck.

Shell

I use store brand lube most of the time.

I too use store brand, but sometimes I get K-Y or Surgilube. Surgilube comes in little packets and are good for work or day trips. I think you have to order it, though.

Except for the first several months after I originally got my K-pouch almost 30 years ago, I haven't used any lubricant. Like you, it just has seemed none was necessary. But I do wet the tube by rinsing it in cold water just before inserting it, although I don't know if even that is necessary but it is a long-standing habit for me, since originally I was instructed to do that in order to stiffen the tube with cold water for what was thought to be easier insertion with a stiffer tube.