I’ve had my pouch for about 3+ years. I don’t drink nearly enough water so my consistency is very think. It’s like toothpaste without irrigating. When I stay hydrated or drink certain juices, it is more like pancake batter consistency. I empty my pouch every 5-7 hours. The timing is typically driven by when/what I eat. I empty before every meal so I’ll have room for the next one. I empty when I wake up and before I go to bed - including naps.

Thanks for sharing! How many times do you have to flush per empty? And how many ccs do you use?

I empty my pouch 6 to 8 times per day and I drink 10 to 12 cups of liquid. I drink tap water (easier). I don't use a syringe as I found that the rubber degrades over time so I started to use a disposable enema bottle. I dump out the contents and then rinse out the bottle. When I flush the bottle doesn't totally empty so after I remove the catheter I use the remaining water to flush out the catheter. The bottle is about 4.5 oz so I suppose when I flush it's about 3.5 to 4 oz and as I said I use the remaining 0.5/1 oz left to rinse out the inside of the catheter.

I flush after every time I empty my pouch. Since the enema bottles are over the counter item I don't submit the expense to my insurance (but then I don't submit any of my k pouch expenses). But the enema bottle are easy to obtain. I don't have to order special and can go to most stores and purchase them. If you look online you might be able to get a deal. I've gotten them at the dollar store and grocery store. I've paid around $1.00 for each bottle. Sometimes less.

Good luck.

there are larger enema bottles, 6 oz i think.  i do the same as above contributor dos, except w larger bottle.  order them on line, six or so at a time.  enema bottle is great for to-go kit.  

i try to flush about every four hours, as better for bacteria not to hang around and trigger pouchitis.  had it once w k pouch and w flushing it can be avoided.  jan

When you guys flush, how many times do you flush in a row until everything is out?

@jan15 posted:

there are larger enema bottles, 6 oz i think.  i do the same as above contributor dos, except w larger bottle.  order them on line, six or so at a time.  enema bottle is great for to-go kit.  

i try to flush about every four hours, as better for bacteria not to hang around and trigger pouchitis.  had it once w k pouch and w flushing it can be avoided.  jan

Thank you for the info on the larger bottles. I appreciate it. Have a great day.

This November will be my 40th anniversary of my K pouch. I typically empty 3 or 4 times a day depending what I eat. There are weird days where it’s more frequently, but those are extremely rare.
I never have to empty during the night.
I have always irrigated with water each time- just a habit and sometimes my output can be thick. I have a large cup that I fill with water and use a 60cc irrigation syringe several times when I empty.
If I drink wine, of course it will add at least an extra emptying.

Kim, in that 49 years, have you had any fixes or complications?

40 years.
yes, after working great for 35 years (including a pregnancy) I had valve/ hernia issues about 5 years ago. At that time I had a revision surgery that wasn’t 100% successful, waited a awhile and had another repair by Dr. Kiran in 2019 and it’s been working great since then.

Thanks for the feedback! I am terrified to get my catheter out in two weeks and it not work at all.

My ostomy nurse recommended flushing one time with about 40 cc of water each time I empty. However, she also told me to drink plenty of water. Since I don’t, then I usually end up flushing 2-3 times. When I’m in public, I also use a small enema bottle and flush with most of the water that’s in it. At home, I use a 60 cc syringe or turkey baster.

It’s normal to feel anxiety about your valve not working. I had to run back to the hospital to meet with the nurse several times after getting my catheter removed because I couldn’t figure it out. Ask for help and you’ll get the hang of it.

Thanks, Shavon. My indwelling catheter is still in for another two weeks. I start my clamping schedule tomorrow. So I am nervous for the day I get the indwelling out, and hoping it won’t be leaking right away.

It is definitely stressful in the beginning, I was the same way. It’s normal to be scared. Follow all of the dr and nurses instructions exactly. It’s really important in the beginning. Be patient with your body- it’s learning how to function with something completely new. Relax as much as possible before you insert the catheter and try not to tense up. I intubate while standing because that is the way I was taught in the beginning. Some people sit way back on the toilet and intubate while sitting. If you have any issues, stop, walk around the house, maybe twist your body side to side, and then try again. Before you know it, everything becomes second nature and you don’t give it a second thought. You’ll have a routine. It only takes me about 5 minutes- I’ve had a lot of practice 😀. Keep all of your supplies organized and close by. I use a liberal amount of water soluble lubricant on the catheter to ensure smooth entry of the catheter. Important note- I mentioned that I use a lot of water to irrigate, but remember I have an old pouch that is full size. You will want to do exactly as your healthcare team advises.

Thanks, Kim! I start that in two weeks. Hopefully as i clamp over these two weeks I can help my pouch adequately grow.

@readann posted:

When you guys flush, how many times do you flush in a row until everything is out?

I flush once every time I empty my pouch.

@Kim S posted:

It is definitely stressful in the beginning, I was the same way. It’s normal to be scared. Follow all of the dr and nurses instructions exactly. It’s really important in the beginning. Be patient with your body- it’s learning how to function with something completely new. Relax as much as possible before you insert the catheter and try not to tense up. I intubate while standing because that is the way I was taught in the beginning. Some people sit way back on the toilet and intubate while sitting. If you have any issues, stop, walk around the house, maybe twist your body side to side, and then try again. Before you know it, everything becomes second nature and you don’t give it a second thought. You’ll have a routine. It only takes me about 5 minutes- I’ve had a lot of practice 😀. Keep all of your supplies organized and close by. I use a liberal amount of water soluble lubricant on the catheter to ensure smooth entry of the catheter. Important note- I mentioned that I use a lot of water to irrigate, but remember I have an old pouch that is full size. You will want to do exactly as your healthcare team advises.

At home I kneel in front of the toilet because of my postnasal drip I have a lot of gas and I think this contains things (spatter) better. I have rarely emptied my pouch in a public restroom but when I have I would stand.