Contrast study of the K pouch with deformation of the valve

 Sharon – – I had hoped against hope that the valve wasn't going to be the problem, but you were pretty sure it was from the get-go.  The next hope  is that the prototype arrives soon and proves to be a solution.   Interesting analysis of what caused the problem and now I am  thinking about it  when I intubate.   Janet

I know...I generally do not bother using lube when intubating outside of the house...at school I just don't have the time and at restaurants I try to get in and out fast so I sort of fake it at force a bit...that is also part of the problem...it 'stretches' the valve (sort of...more a feeling than a fact) and seems to hurt it somehow...when our surgeons say 'you are never too busy to use lube' they are not joking.

In my case, lube or not, when your pouch is hanging upside down and you are doing gymnastics to be able to intubate it is worse. My French surgeon (Dr Broutin) said the last time that he went in (13mths ago) he could see the spot on the pouch where I kept hitting it with the tube...it was white (???) ...now I can see the damage that I also did to the valve...By waiting 3+ yrs to get the pouch put back up.

Never ignore problems or pain due to fear...much better to find out what the problems is and deal with it.

Be good to your pouch

Sharon 

thanks again for more history on your problem; it gives me insight as to what can possibly go wrong.  unfortunately my new knowledge is at your expense, which isn't fair.  i hope there can be a reasonable solution.  tough choices for you and i send healing white light to help you through this turmoil.  

i love my k pouch--hey, it's valentine's day--but am also dreadfully frightened of it.  i probably overly lube and then mindfully breath until the catheter slips in so smoothly that i don't feel it.  on the 'dark' side, i overdue crunches and lifting things.  hopefully the docs used strong thread to sew the pouch to my innards.  

in less than two weeks i'll be having my failed replaced shoulder replaced with a reverse shoulder.  the recent biopsy showed no infection.  rather dread having a major surgery so soon, but it is my choice and i made it so i could do some gardening this summer.  won't be able to put my boat in the water, but don't mind a year off and will travel to iceland and spitsbergen, where i can kayak amongst the glaciers and puffins.   

heal, heal, heal.... janet

Thanks Janet,

"You can never use too much lube"...Quote from Dr C, my k pouch surgeon.

Beware of crunches etc for 1 yr post pouch creation...consider your pouch a newborn...do not expect it to walk, jump, run, climb etc during the 1st 12 months...baby it and it will last you a lifetime.

Things are not healed before then even if you think that they are ( or in my case, ever)...so no 'over-enthusiasm' please!

Thanks for the vibes....

be nice to your pouch

Sharon

I'm so sorry to hear of your trouble with the valve. Sending you warm wishes & thoughts; and know we are all probably extending a bit of TLC to our valve!  I know you will keep us posted- Kara

thank you for the images too-very interesting view!