Indiana pouch anyone?

[squid56]

I have had my Indiana pouch for 13 years now. I have always leaked a little bit at times, which was no big deal since I keep it covered, but it has been leaking much, much more than usual for almost a year now. I was going to have it scoped and then my insurance changed so now I need to wait till my deductible is met before I get it done. Has anyone else had this problem as far as leaking? It does not leak everyday, just some days and I hate it when it happens at work, as I work with the public in sales. I always wear tops that cover that area so if I do leak it is concealed. I am just feeling frustrated. Thanks, Judith

[worleyp]

You may be having problems with pouchitis, which is like a bladder infection. If it is mild, you may have no other symptoms except it can make your pouch irritable so that it spasms at odd times. It is treated like a bladder infection....lots of fluids, no caffeine, drink cranberry juice, and antibiotics if necessary. If it is more severe I believe sometimes steroids are sometimes prescribed. You should probably make an appointment with your urologist if it continues.
Good luck

[w8eu]

I read your post. My name is Mike from Elyria, Ohio. I am 39 years old I have had an Indiana Pouch since 1985, (first one done at University Hospitals in Cleveland.) I remain dry about 95% of the time. When I leak it is usually because I have not irrigated myself with saline Solution. Once I do this I am good for a while. I remain dry over night as well. I too work with the public. I am going to talk to a Gastro Intestinal Doctor as my stool is soft as a result of using my intestines for the pouch. Being bowel/bladder incontinent this is a problem I am hoping to solve.

[kpriewe]

I feel for you, and I'm well aware of your frustration. This is a daily occurence with me, although I would use the word seep rather than leak.

Assuming you're referring to leaking around your stoma, about all you can do is keep it covered with a gauze-pad [sponge], check it frequently, and put on a dry one periodically.

Tip: Try cutting an actual sponge into thin slices and insert one into the gauze-pad. That will give it a little more absorbancy and delay the inevitable wet T-shirt. Seems to help.

Ken

[squid56]

Thanks Ken!

[Lil' Poppa]

I am a brand new indiana pouch recipient - surgery on March 24. I recently read something helpful on a website that I use. I use a third of a womens mini pad taped over my stoma. Of course it is designed to be small but naturally absorbent. Maybe I should use a guaze pad on top of that ?!! Also, does anyone know of a water proof tape/pad/cover I could buy for when I want to go swimming? OR can anyone share there experiences on what to do when swimming, taking a bath, sitting in a hot tub, etc. I am far from that time, but am going on vacation with my wife and daughter in July and want to live life again to the fullest.

Any help is appreciated.

Marvin

[kpriewe]

Hello Marvin,

Unless your doctor told you differently for some reason, I wouldn't worry about going swimming or sitting in a hot tub. Under normal circumstances you shouldn't have to cover your stoma at all.

Enjoy!

Ken

[noaheema]

Lil' Poppa

I place the gauze pd/sponge under the mini pad - I use both "in case" - I am not good about being a clock watcher and sometime go past the time to cath so I feel more confident with two layers. (Rarely is the second layer needed).

Susan

[squid56]

Marvin, when I go swimming I use something called the AMPatch. They are made by Austin Medical and come in all sorts of sizes and absorbencies. If you call them they will send you free samples. How can you go wrong with that? I tend to switch off using them with the gauze and tape since I have super sensitive skin when one gets too much for me I switch. Have fun on your vacation!

[Charles_in_Tx]

Marvin; Check this site for Ampatch:

http://www.ampatch.com/pages/1/index.htm

Good luck and be well,
Charles in TX

[squid56]

Thanks for posting the link Charles!

[Lil' Poppa]

Thanks Everyone for you information and thoughts. I will contact Ampatch today. However, I have so much to do sitting home recovering, I just don't know how I'll find the time. (Hah)

Again thanks!!!

Marvin

[Imustpee]

Hello Marvin..I was told by my urosurgeon that no covering was necessary for bathing, swimming, showering or hot tubbing....

[w8eu]

I have posted before. I do not cover my stoma with anything as it is just below the belt line and I stay dry overnite. Unless I have pouchitis (explained in earlier posts). I do irrigate about every other day with saline solution. This cuts down on the mucuos build up and helps to stay dry. I am 1 month Post Op from having an Ileo Cecal Valve reconstructive surgery. This helps with loose stools as a result of using my large intestines as a urinary Bladder. Only being 1 month post op, I am already noticing a difference in my bowel control. The doctor who did the Indiana Pouch was the same who did the Ileo Cecal Valve reconstruction. I had this done at University Hospitals in Cleveland by Dr. Jack S. Elder. You can "google" him. he is very well educated in the field of bladder and fecal incontinence. I would love to hear from anyone. I am 39 years old. Spina bifida. L4. Both surgeries have made it easier to socialize and concentrate on life's challenges.

[kpriewe]

Here's a money-saving tip for all you pouch users:

I've noticed several references to "irrigating your pouch with saline solution." Saline solution is nothing more than sterile salt water so save some money and make your own.

Fill a pot with water; add a couple tablespoons of salt; then boil the water to sterilize it. Just pour the finished solution into your empty saline solution bottles. That's it. Free saline solution!

This tip came from my doctor so it's legit.

Ken