When I first started with the K – pouch, I had problems inserting. Putting catheter in freezer helped. I never thought of trying to “age “it. Perhaps soaking?
Now I use a 34 FR, also Marlen. It is stiffer. I’m so used to the stiffness that the 30 FR won’t insert.  An advantage of the 34 is that The two holes can be increased in size – DIY. Subsequently easier to evacuate. Jan

Thank you so much! I was thinking of freezing it but wasn’t sure if it was ok. I’m trying to age it also! I will try the 34. I need the stiffness.
I appreciate your advice

I was able to use the 34 FR only after having the stoma enlarged.  It was a simply, quick surgery with easy recovery for which I greatly thank Dr Shen at Columbia.  Part of your problem might be--I only mention this because it was my problem--that the stoma has closed in?  Or perhaps the valve has changed?  You know best!

What are you ideas for aging?  Could be in your own output, baking soda, vinegar?  What have others done?

Keep us posted as our collective knowledge helps us all.  Jan

@skn69 might know what to do as well

@1974 Kock Pouch as well

Mentor 30 fr is very stiff.  Not sure if they still make them. I had some old unused ones that I recently used.

@jan15 posted:

I was able to use the 34 FR only after having the stoma enlarged.  It was a simply, quick surgery with easy recovery for which I greatly thank Dr Shen at Columbia.  Part of your problem might be--I only mention this because it was my problem--that the stoma has closed in?  Or perhaps the valve has changed?  You know best!

What are you ideas for aging?  Could be in your own output, baking soda, vinegar?  What have others done?

Keep us posted as our collective knowledge helps us all.  Jan

I had a valve revision which Dr Milsom just made a new vale and enlarged my stoma bc my old stoma retracted. I like my enlarged stoma better bc it’s easier to insert the catheter. What I’m doing is using my old catheter for the first time and then using the new catheter after to try and age the new catheter. I need to try and age it different ways bc sometimes it works and other times it doesn’t and I don’t force it.

Hello Karmen,

Are you using a straight Marlen 30 Fr catheter?  Also do you apply lubricant to the new catheter?

I have always used Astra / Medena / Torbot 30 Fr, 12", curved, catheters, as first recommended by my ET nurse many years ago.  This particular older 'curved' catheter model is more firm and effective for my KP, though more difficult to find these days.  As well the current manufactured curved products may also be softer in consistency than they have been in past years.

I found online an example of a curved catheter, similar to the ones I use.  Perhaps you could request a sample or straight or curved versions from a supplier?  Also see ATC Medical.  (You can do a product search on Medena / Torbot 30 FR to find more suppliers and prices.)

https://torbot.com/product/tor...heter-straight-30fr/

https://ampatch.com/product/ma...nch-curved-catheter/

BCIR video re: catheters -- https://bcircatheter.com/video/

Would an ET nurse at the hospital where you had your KP surgery be able to provide you with any catheter info?

Hope you find much improvement soon!

Take care,

Emme

I have tried the curved ones in the past and don’t like the way the output splashes in the toilet. I asked my dr and he said the marlen 30 F are good. There was another brand they said was good. I will email my dr and ask what the brand was.
Putting them in the freezer is working!
thank you all for the suggestions

@marz posted:

Mentor 30 fr is very stiff.  Not sure if they still make them. I had some old unused ones that I recently used.

I’m going to try and order these catheters. Freezing my marlen is working but I want one that I don’t have to go to the freezer to go to the bathroom. 😂

@Karmen posted:

I’m going to try and order these catheters. Freezing my marlen is working but I want one that I don’t have to go to the freezer to go to the bathroom. 😂

Understandable haha