Have been getting lots of blockages this past 10 months over the years only two a year have had 4 the last 5 weeks requiring hospital the doctor was hoping adhesions surgery would be the answer,but no not the case did a scope two weeks ago ,going back to see doctor on Wednesday he is sure it’s a non functional problem he thinks I need to start using a catheter so did some searchers on here .i would like to know those using the catheter is that because you don’t empty on your own and need the help of a catheter. I am emptying ok up to 12 a day then bam out of no were I in terrible pain and start vomiting needing to go to hospital the pain to me seem above the pouch which he feels some is staying behind and causing a blockages any ideas would be great thanks Susan
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I am only able to partially empty my J pouch - so I use a catheter to fully empty. Hasn't been a big problem, just an inconvenience at times. Pretty easy to manage.
I plan on talking to my GI about using a catheter because I can never fully empty. My question is how does it work? Does it get inserted and just drain or is it something you use to flush?? I have had my J Pouch since 1987 and I am just know learning about this!
You just insert it and it drains. It's a soft flexible tube that you lubricate and insert - very easy! I've also have my pouch since 1987. I didn't start using the catheter until 1999. Home use is not a problem at all, using it in a public restroom is sometimes tricky, mainly because of the need to rinse it. When there's a private bathroom with a sink, no problem. If you have more questions, just ask!
Please Kim tell me if you too use the catheter a few times in the day as I seem to need using it 8 to 10 times in order to feel comfortable for a while and not in pain with cramps or gas, usually free for about 2 hours, though i was hoping for a little longer time!! I hope i am not overdoing it. Any tips? Thank you