Mark, I found that putting a couple of pillows under my legs and knees while sleeping on my back helped me..I still sleep that way some nights to ease the lower back stress too.
My appetite came back with a vengence and so did the weight...enjoy the apetitelessness for now..it keeps the quantities down in the pouch and makes the strait drain easier to handle..also I tended to use simple babywipes to clean off my tube constantaly and used it on the skin around the flange and under it so keep the smelly guck to a minimum..worked pretty well.
Sharon

one more week to go before the medena is removed and I can start on my intubation schedule. I am counting down the days as this thing is such a pain. I've been doing pretty good with it...a slight soreness on the edge of my stoma makes it uncomfortable sometimes, but otherwise it's been ok. I've had to remove it 2x's in a day because it moved too much, but I haven't had to for 2 days now. I'm eating and actually hungry so that's a good sign for me too. If I don't get a chance to post before Xmas...for all those that celebrate...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We have a lot to celebrate...we all have a renewed life : )

I am a free woman today!!! Cath removed and starting on the training...I'm very excited and nervous at the same time. Dr. Launer said everything looked great so I'm really happy.

Woo hoo! that is wonderful news! It will be crampy as the pouch matures - but so worth it! Happy New Year!

Hi all! So many new kpouchers - just want to move this thread up top to see how you are all doing and if you've found new tips or tricks to teach us oldies too!

Things are great! I am just finishing up my second semester at UAF. Only 3 or 4 more to go and I have my degree! I am waiting to hear back on a couple jobs for this summer with The Institute of Arctic Biology so I can live up here for my first Alaskan summer after battling the bitter cold this winter. Already the sun goes down at like 11 and come's up way to early for me to care to really find out. It doesn't get really dark anymore either. The sun just goes on the other side of the horizon for a few hours then comes back up. We're gaining almost 7 minutes of daylight everyday so the days are only going to get longer!

The pouch is working great btw!