to drink or not to drink

[luv2hike]

Hi - I am still following the hourly schedule for catheterizing. Right now I am at every 4 hrs a night. Because I had a few leaking experiences (previously no leaking at night), I thought I should stop all fluid intake after 8 pm (I cath at 10, go to bed - next stop 2 am). But then I wondered, isn't the overnight a time for the pouch to stretch? To increase its capacity? So, should I really stop drinking at 8 during this time of training, or just continue to drink if I want to and if I haven't met my 64 oz. quota?

I mean, is the goal to increase capacity at this time and then when that's established, work on limiting intake so that I can sleep longer?


luv2hike

[jpotts]

I don't know that there is a "rule", it probably depends on what makes you most comfortable. At this point, I would not limit your intake, but continue to cath every X number or hours. As your pouch grows and increases in capacity, you will learn by feeling how much it can take and how long you can go. However, I would never push it more than 6 -8 hours max, you don't want to risk mucous backup which can cause infection. By 4-6 mos post I was cathing about every 6 hours while up but able to sleep through the nite. I would not stop your intake completely, perhaps cut back and keep it to water? I find anything with caffeine or acid in it irritates my pouch and causes me to need to go more....just my experience