Hi all, Have had my j for a little over 1 year and several tests and scopes later still not working. I have to use a tube to poop about 8-12 times a day. I'm meeting with my surgeon next week for options. My question to you folks is what kind of suuplies do you have to carry with you, how big of a deal is it to use public reastrooms? do you have to push to pass stool or does it just happen? how big of a catheter do you use, the tube I use now is about 3/8 in dia. Can you eat anything you want or are there restictions? how often do you have to go?

Oh, one more thing do you all have a barbie or ken butt?

I will keep this short
I carry my catheter, small syringe, collapsible cup, little bit of lube and extra pads.It all fits into a little cosmetic size bag. I have emptied my pouch in many different 'public' rest areas, including planes, trains, highway rest stops..some places really horrible. You just do it! Actually, just as if you had normal plumbing, unless the bathroom is really bad it's not a big deal (at least I don't think so).

The catheter I use is a 32 Fr. There are different manufacturers and we all use what works best for us. I use Marlen, someone else may use Medina or another. I don't know the diameter but it is inserted about 6 in, into the valve through the stoma. Hopefully the stool just flows through the cath. depending on what you eat and drink. I empty between 4-6 times/day. There are some foods we probably all stay away from and some we try and see what happens.

and yes...I have a Barbie butt

hope this helps

This message has been edited. Last edited by: lesrich1,

Les is right, when it works well it is a true blessing....very discrete and easy to manage for most of us...I use a pencil case for my tube and syringe and cary a little evian water bottle with tap water into the stall so that I can easily rince thing out and use some if I need to liquify the contents of my pouch a bit...It can take less time then the average 'normal' person and can be done sitting or standing or kneeling down depending on where it is placed and how you are most comfortable...Certain foods need to be chewed really well like peas, beans or corn (or avoided altogether if you are a fast eater like me)of put through a blender...other than that I generally don't worry about travel even to the Middle East or North Africa with my pouch...with a water bottle and soft tissue I can go behind a bush or a tree if need be!
As for the Barbie but...I don't know...I have never really checked but my Hubby has never made a comment about it!
Maybe he finds it cute!
Sharon