New K-Poucher; New to Site

[Amy Nichols]

Greetings from Austin, Texas.

This is my first posting on this site.

I recently had my J-pouch removed and a K-pouch constructed at the Cleveland Clinic with Dr. Fazio on 1/29.

I have a few questions hopefully you can help me with during the healing process.

1. The Dr. decided to keep the continuous drain in for another 3 weeks, for a total of 6 weeks. Is this common or unusual?

2. Did you have difficulty intebating yourself in the beginning with the catheter? Were you able to get the catheter in easily or was it difficult/uncomfortable? How did you know the pouch was empty?

3. At what point did you begin feeling stronger? I feel like this is a very slow recovery for me as I begin week 5 today.

4. Lastly, I get throbbing, mild cramping by the pouch. Is that typical? Gas?

Thanks for your experienced guidance.

Best,

Amy Nichols

[lesson]

Welcome Amy

I was in Cleveland for a Dr. Fazio visit while you were there. Would've stopped by

I went from an end ileo to a Kock. My drain was in for 3 weeks following surgery. Whether the drain is in for 3 or 6 weeks doesn't matter. What is important is that you do what needs to be done for your situation.

I did not have trouble intubating. You just have to be patient and calm. The catheter will find its own path and shouldn't be forced. There will be people who have different circumstances.

It took me awhile to get to 100%. Age may have something to do with it . One thing I can't stress enough..Do not push your body to do more than it is happy doing. Make sure you are not pushing, pulling, picking up heavy things. Rest when you are tired if you can. I would say at 6 months I was feeling terrific and my old self. It might come sooner for you.

If you feel cramping it could be gas. How long does it last? Do you feel relief when the pouch contents start draining?

[Manofplay]

Welcome to the K club. I had my KPouch created in August of last year (Dr. Fazio converted the K from my second JPouch). I agree with the above poster. Patience and relaxing while intubating is the key. Its a bit awkward at first sticking something foreign into your body, but you get used to it quickly. One thing that I learned after talking to Dr. Fazio this last time was that when its tough to intubate (generally because of air or gas build up), its easiest to intubate while laying down with your knees bent. This allows the abdominal muscles to completely relax which allows you to intubate much easier. Wish I would have known this for the first few months as it makes things a world easier.

I think the cramping is probably normal. More than likely its just gas that is waiting to pass. Does the cramping ease when and if any gas does pass (though I am not sure you would notice it with a full time catheter in).

Mike S

[Lynne]

Amy,

Welocme to the Kock pouch world. You have been given excellent advice. I have had my Kock pouch, thanks to Dr. Fazio also, since 1990. I had a Brooke Ileostomy for 13 years before that. Please feel free to post any questions you might have. We are always glad to assist "newbies" !

Lynne
CDN Chair

[Amy Nichols]

Thank you for your guidance and input. I truly appreciate the support and encouragement as I continue to heal.

Monday, March 5 begins week 6 post-op. I continue to move slowly, although am making some progress. I'm maintaining a positive outlook but it seems that this is a much slower recovery than previous surgeries I've had (j-pouch, ileostomies, etc.).

I do think some of the cramps I experience are gas related and when I empty the k-pouch, it does provide some relief. I have one more week with the drain and then I'll see Dr. Fazio's recommended next steps. I get a bit nervous since I haven't intebated independently as yet.

Question: Do any of you jog, bike, or multisport? How long before you were able to re-enter those activities post surgery?

Look forward,
Amy