Continent diversion vs ileal conduit

jawalsh68 · Post by **jawalsh68** » 2006-05-28 07:06:20

Hello all. I'm new to the board and thank all for the free exchange of information. I currently have an urostomy bag, lower right abdomen, and am considering another surgery to replace it with the Indiana pouch. The Indiana pouch was not an option at first due to the heavy amounts of chemo I needed afterwards. I am relatively young at 37, so have long term to consider. I am willing to deal with the short term of going through another tough surgery, but wonder if the quality of life is any better? i.e. daily maintenance, metabolic changes, ect?

Imustpee · Post by **Imustpee** » 2006-05-28 16:46:09

I am 45 and I have had my pouch since Dec..I suffered with servere I.C. for 40 years..I love my pouch...I cath every 5 hours and once at night...I have a life and freedom away from the toliet. Daily care is just a couple minutes everytime I cath, quality of life is tremendously better!

tecate · Post by **tecate** » 2006-08-01 11:46:25

IMUSTPEE ~~~
WHAT EXACTLY IS A INDIANA POUCH ~~~ HOW DOE'S IT WORK ~~~ SOUNDS LIKE AN INSIDE POUCH ~~~ ( JUST ANOTHER NAME ) ~~~ (CONTINENT URINARY RESERVOIR ) INSTEAD OF A OUTSIDE BAG ~~~ FOR URINE ~~~

Crystal · Post by **Crystal** » 2006-08-01 17:29:37

hi jawalsh68
I have a mitrofanoff due to Exstrophy, I have never had to use a bag system I've always just straight cathed. I love the freedom of having to cath, you don't need to worry about a leaking bag or a bag filling up. You cath on a regular schedule and you just carry the cath with you and maybe some lubricant depending on whether you wish to use it or not. You may have some leakage around the stoma at first but it should go away. I can't really attest to metabolic changes because I haven't had a bag system. With the Indiana pouch, you'll have to accustom yourself to knowing when your bladder is full and needs to be cathed and to make sure you're emptying all the way. Some people have to cath in different positions to make sure they empty all the way, it takes some time to find the best way to drain to prevent infections. I don't know if this info will help at all, but let me know if you have other questions about cathing and stuff.