I'm a recent convert to using a catheter for my j pouch (and I'm a big fan).
Do you use petroleum or water-based lubricant? With a petroleum-based lubricant, I have a hard time cleaning out the bits of lubricant that can get stuck inside the catheter.
Are other people used water-based lubricant? If petroleum-based, any other thoughts on cleaning the catheter?
I would suggest using k-y jelly or some other water soluable jelly. Another great alternAtive is olive oil or vitamin e oil. I just wash mine out each time with hand soap and water in the sink. I once tried to put the catheter in the dishwasher, but water was too hot (even with the heat cycle off) I have a BCIR, so all stool is liquid, but when it gets clogged I use a wooden skewer to clear what is clogging the catheter. Not sure how this would work with a J pouch. Good Luck.
Hi Pouchington, I'm a k poucher (35+yrs) and have learned to relax about all this stuff over the years. I have catheter kits in every bathroom and bag that I own. I carry a 60cc syringe and little waterbottle with a sports tip on it plus mini packets of water based lube & cath in my purse. Never use petrolium jelly! At home, in 1 bathroom I have a refilable squirt bottle that I fill with olive oil, works great. Use only a drop or 2. I can use a lube packet for a week...I rip a tiny opening (think ketchup packet) and use a couple drops then fold over and save. My tubes get rince out with the water bottle if not clogged or the syringe to push the water through if things are too thick or stuck. If at home I will occasionnaly rince with hand soap. No special treatment, no panic. I am now so much more laid back about cath hygiene and washing...the tubes will turn dark and get stiff no matter what you do. I have some tubes that I have been using for years. NO stress. When I can while out or think about it when home, I wash with running water. That's it. I do change kit bags regularly. I like soft pencil cases with side pockets for the lube. Cheap and easy. As soon as they develop a smell I chuck them. Only 1 piece of advice. Be gentle with yourself when intubating...your entrance was not built for a tube...mine was (k pouch vavle) so do not push, force or be overenthusiastic...you could hurt your cuff or pouch. Sharon
Hi Jilly, Long time no see.... The J pouchers who self cath usually do so for a couple of reasons...incapacity to empty their pouches otherwise (strictures, twists, floppy pouches)...sometimes the pouch contents are too thick so self cathing allows you to irrigate the pouch and get all of the residue out. Some people feel better when they irrigate on a regular basis too...they like a nice, clean pouch...some even feel that it 'prevents' pouchitis (no proof here). I am sure that there are a lot of other reasons but those are the ones that I know of. As a k poucher, I irrigate most times unless the contents are watery...especially if I have eaten and starchy carbs or other thickeners. Sharon
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