I left the hospital with what I assume is the Medena catheter...I was told that Dr. Launer likes the Marlen catheters so I ordered some...only to find out that the holes on each side are smaller and the tip is round with no hole. Is that better or worse? Typically I have thicker output and I'm worried that the smaller holes and no tip hole will have an impact on my emptying. Can anyone tell me what they use and which is better? I know it's preference, but these suckers aren't cheap and I don't want to keep ordering the wrong ones.

Thanks...Susan

My under-the-sink cupboard looks like a pharmacutical supply store!
I have every size, shape and thickness of cath plus all sorts of emergency tubes, rubber, plastic etc....right now I am using a strait cath, 30 with the 3 holes but when I am feeling 'heavy' full I sometimes use a curved one..depending on how it goes in and feels..sometimes the bottom of the pouch seems to accumulate tons of stuff and I feel like only the curved one does the trick...live and learn according to your body, your shape and 'thickness' of stuff....the one given is always use lube! As my dr. says..you are never to busy for lube!
Sharon

Hi Susan....they are expensive but last a long time. Dr Launer told me I can use whatever gets the job done. The marlen is considered a "bullet end" and is more flexible a little longer, while the medina has the tiny extra hole at the end, is more stiff and a bit shorter. Surgeons now feel the bullet end may be less wear and tear on the valve, but just be sure to lube. The holes on the side should be the same if you ordered a Marlen "medium" and Medina 30 french.

BTW, you can cut either of these caths to a shorter lenght. I have a very low stoma, so I can insert and aim down fast and don't need a long cath. But, practice 1st.

I found the medina works best for me. That little extra hole at the end seems to move the poo through better.

Keep asking questions! And glad you're doing so wonderful.

I prefer the Medena French 30 size...you can get the flared end or straight end...I use the straight.

I like the Medena because it has nice sized holes on the side and a hole in the end.

If you have any trouble getting it in...run cold water over the catheter and it will stiffen up a bit and I use a lot of K-Y jelly as well. If you kink the cath, you may as well throw it away and get a new one.

I get mine from Torbot.

I got my K-pouch in 1976.

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

I think Janice said it well: use whatever gets the job done.
You may want to order the two different kinds...Medina and Marlen to see which one you like the best.

The Kpouch I have now is my second one. I have tried the catheter with the hole at the end, but it irritates my stoma and valve, so I use the Marlen.

What is ironic is that with the first Kock I was able to use the '3 hole' catheter.
oh well!

keep on feeling well

It makes common sense that the bullet end Marlen is better on the valve long term. I wish it was stiffer like the Medena.

I don't toss when I get a kink...I get them fast cuz I wrap up cath and stick in zip lock bag. I only toss if I get a slice opened where the kink is or if the end I insert starts getting rough around the holes.

I insert cath then put my fingers on the sides of where the kink is to open up the cath and just keep them there to squeeze along poo. It works for quite a while before I absolutely need to replace. Saves $$.

They get totally ugly before they get tossed. Some pouchers disinfect their caths soaking in bleach, but poo is contaminated anyway so I don't bother. I just wash my hands real good of course like I did when emptying my end ileo bag.

I have always used the Medina aan have a supply of the curved, which is no longer made. You have a choice between the Medina straight or the curved with smaller holes and no opening at the tip. Dr Launer used the straight Medina while at the hospital. It is all what works for you...good luck