My BCIR is awesome! I think I am addicted to intubating lol. Just the coolest thing that it works the way it does.

I know, I am weird

I am also spoiled not going to the bathroom anymore, well poop that is. I go home Friday, going really good just still some pain and fatigue.

Glad you're doing better. How's the pain?

Ray

Pain is still there. Better but slowly. The intubating hurts since the body is new at this. A different hurt since there is no pain in the pouch., my ab wall is just tenses up and then gets sore. So I am told after 2 weeks it gets better. Doing it on the every 2 hr mark is tough. Once I get to the 6 hour week life is way better. So slowly getting there. Discharged in about 5hrs :-)

See, it does get better!
Sometimes taking a breath and letting it out slowly helps when inserting the cath.
Also, (after 30 years still using new techniques for me) you start the cath as far as it will easily go, then add water to let flow into thhe pouch at the same time the cath is entering the rest of the way.

Have a safe trip home and a happy healthy new year!

8 hr drive we knocked out yesterday but worried about tomorrow. My legs had horrible
Cramping and spasms going on. I drank well over 80 oz of fluids to stay hydrated and felt ok. Maybe my body can't sit that long.

Way too soon to be sitting for so long...drink pickle juice for the leg cramps...stay flat for a while to relax the lower back and the abs...you don't realise it but you really do need your rest...keep your diet really fiber-free for the moment and nothing too thickening either...stick to protiens like fish and chicken and soups for the hydration and salt (good, old fashioned chicken soup is great for the pouch)...nothing at all that can clog you up for now...peanut butter in small quantities is ok and only 1 banana a day. Don't forget to drink your grape or prune juice and coffee and green tea are good to keep things liquid.
NO bending, stretching, pulling, pushing etc...you are still very delicate for now.
Welcome home.
Sharon

I made it. My doctors were ok with the trip as long as I stopped every 2 hours. I had a foley with a leg bag for the trip. It went ok I was just exhausted but have been since I started intubating and getting up at night in the beginning is making me so tired.