This can also happen if there is a small piece of food stuck in the catheter, blocking the flow. Even with irrigation, it may not dislodge it.
Or sometimes the depth of the catheter needs adjusted as the swelling goes down. I hope it is something simple like this.

@Kim S posted:

This can also happen if there is a small piece of food stuck in the catheter, blocking the flow. Even with irrigation, it may not dislodge it.
Or sometimes the depth of the catheter needs adjusted as the swelling goes down. I hope it is something simple like this.

Thanks Kim. I flushed it right after as per the stoma nurse. She checked the depth and said it was okay.

do you ever pass gas?

When the catheter is not inserted I do not pass gas. When the catheter is inserted, very occasionally some gas will escape from around the catheter.  

I agree it’s probably food stuck in catheter hole. Make sure you chew your food. Also avoid food that can’t be chewed, such as stewed spinach. Because fiber and pulp type  food simply won’t digest or can’t  be chewed to small enough size, they will clog the catheter. Eventually you’ll be able to pull the catheter out and dislodge the food, but not  now. Best to spit food out. The stoma nurse can explain what foods work and don’t.

Keep asking questions from us as it’s the best way to learn.  Everybody here helped me. We are family. Where are you and who was surgeon? BTW surgeons usually send resident to check on you. I’ve had surgeries that involved nearly a week hospital stay and never saw the surgeons. Wishing you the best, Jan

@jan15 posted:

I agree it’s probably food stuck in catheter hole. Make sure you chew your food. Also avoid food that can’t be chewed, such as stewed spinach. Because fiber and pulp type  food simply won’t digest or can’t  be chewed to small enough size, they will clog the catheter. Eventually you’ll be able to pull the catheter out and dislodge the food, but not  now. Best to spit food out. The stoma nurse can explain what foods work and don’t.

Keep asking questions from us as it’s the best way to learn.  Everybody here helped me. We are family. Where are you and who was surgeon? BTW surgeons usually send resident to check on you. I’ve had surgeries that involved nearly a week hospital stay and never saw the surgeons. Wishing you the best, Jan

Thanks, Jan. Since I’ve had so many ileostomies I’m familiar with chewing. All I’ve eaten is some dry toast and some white fish. I know what foods are safe. I don’t eat fruits and vegetables anyway.

I know usually the resident comes in but with all my hospital stays and surgeries over the years I’ve had my surgeon come more than once. So it can be frustrating when you have a problem.

Id rather not reveal personal details about my surgeon and my location, sorry!

Thank you for easing my mind. It is hard because when I had an ileostomy at the beginning it was easy to find answers and a k pouch not so much! Much smaller community.

Are you in the USA or another country?

@Kim S posted:

Are you in the USA or another country?

Another country. But I’d prefer not to give out personal information.

following surgery the best assistants, for me, were the stoma nurses.  they are the ones who deal with patients becoming used to their new pouches.  that's not something about which the surgeon knows.  it isn't an intuitive adjustment so ask us questions please.  and read prior k poachers' comments.  (Sharon is brilliant.)  when in hospital i ate stewed spinach and the nurse needed to take the catheter out to de-clog.  great you know what foods to avoid--you are ahead of the curve on that tough issue.  have they shown you a catheter so you know size of holes?  

is your pain under control?

sending you healing thoughts.  when go home?  keep us posted!  jan

@jan15 posted:

following surgery the best assistants, for me, were the stoma nurses.  they are the ones who deal with patients becoming used to their new pouches.  that's not something about which the surgeon knows.  it isn't an intuitive adjustment so ask us questions please.  and read prior k poachers' comments.  (Sharon is brilliant.)  when in hospital i ate stewed spinach and the nurse needed to take the catheter out to de-clog.  great you know what foods to avoid--you are ahead of the curve on that tough issue.  have they shown you a catheter so you know size of holes?  

is your pain under control?

sending you healing thoughts.  when go home?  keep us posted!  jan

Thanks Jan. Yes, the stoma nurse is helpful, she just wasn’t here on the weekend for much of this rigamarole.

Pain is better now, thank you.

I’ve read nearly every post on this section of the forum already! And yes, Sharon is great.

i have seen the catheter they’ll be showing me how to intubate with when the time comes. But that was pre op so context will help once these few weeks are over with the catheter staying in me to drain.

you are doing the right things.  weekends are dreadful in hospitals.  truly understand any and all frustrations!!  

the cleveland clinic and nyc stoma nurses were always at the ready even after i left hospital.  they are all wonderful and have gone through many experiences.  

glad pain is better and hope the docs are on top of it.  this is the toughest time.  

another tip, from my experience, is to make certain your electrolytes are at correct levels.  after hospital mine were off, causing dehydration.  terrible situation.  if ever in doubt best to get tested.

i'm on the road for several hours, but will check in at eastern time this afternoon.  stay positive!  jan

@jan15 posted:

you are doing the right things.  weekends are dreadful in hospitals.  truly understand any and all frustrations!!  

the cleveland clinic and nyc stoma nurses were always at the ready even after i left hospital.  they are all wonderful and have gone through many experiences.  

glad pain is better and hope the docs are on top of it.  this is the toughest time.  

another tip, from my experience, is to make certain your electrolytes are at correct levels.  after hospital mine were off, causing dehydration.  terrible situation.  if ever in doubt best to get tested.

i'm on the road for several hours, but will check in at eastern time this afternoon.  stay positive!  jan

Thanks, Jan! Luckily, my electrolytes have been regularly tested for years, so now is no different. I drink a lot of electrolytes and eat salt! Great too though! Especially since I take a lot of drugs to speed motility.

after I’m discharged I’ll followup with the stoma nurse shortly after to come back and get the catheter removed and learn how to intubate. She told me I can contact her any time with questions. Through all my surgeries, my hospital (NOT community) stoma nurses have been amazing.

jan, I should probably start a new thread but while you’re here (and anyone else), what do you prefer to use to cover your stoma, and does it ever bleed? Right now my gauze always has some blood on it. I think I’ll need something pretty robust to cover it since it’s pretty moist. I prefer something medical, not pads or nursing pads (so I can get it paid for).

my stoma does bleed a bit but nothing to worry about.  mine also drips and produces much mucus.  I do use nursing pad, which is less than 25$ a year (target brand).   there are reusable pads.  don't know of medical ones that insurance covers.  the medical ones/insurance covered, for sex, are bulky.  ask stoma nurse.

you can ask the stoma nurse as I simply can't recall, but possible you are producing more mucus because stoma, valve and everything else is still very tender.  It took weeks, into two months, for my tenderness to dissipate.  

stay positive!  jan

Thanks, Jan! You’re amazing!