Hello to All
In 1998 I was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer & after 2 operations to remove small tumors in my bladder I was told the cancer was back & was Type 3,Invasive.In Sept. of that year I underwent Radical Surgery.I was told the best option for me was the Indiana Pouch.After the first few months everything was great.I have only had a couple of kidney infections & not a lot of trouble with the stoma at all.
I use a leather shaving kit bag for carrying my supplies.I keep one in my truck,one in my desk at work a spare one at home.I have used a camera bag as well.I use a Tupperware bowl to keep my tube in.I use paper towels in the bottom of the bowl crumpled up to absorb the moisture.I have several bowls that I use that I have put holes in the top.I curl the tube up in the bowl.The holes in the top help to dry the moisture in the bowl.Since the surgery I have always used K-Y Jelly to lubricate the tube.You can keep the K-Y in a small plastic container.Just make sure the lid is good & tight.I also keep a container of antiseptic wipes in the bag.These come in handy if you are in a public restroom.You can use the wipes to clean your hands as well as the sink,,towel dispenser etc.If I am at work after using the wipes on the sink etc I will lay them out on the sink & set the bowl with the tube in it as well as the small container with the k-y in it on the wipes on the sink.This helps to keep the containers a little bit cleaner.Tubing is not a sterile procedure but is supposed to be a clean procedure.Be sure to wash the catheter with the antibacterial soap before putting the tube back in the container.If possible dry the tube with a paper towel.I keep a small hand towel or wash rag in the bag just for this reason.Some bathrooms do not always have towels handy.On the weekends I carry the bag home & wash the bowl I use for the tube in the dishwasher.You can use antibacterial soap on the bowl if you dont have a dishwasher.Before going back to work on Monday I put the paper towels in the bowl & put in a new tube.I use that tube twice a day all Mon-Fri & it is in my desk the rest of the time.I do not use a new catheter each time I tube.As long as you keep your tube in a clean & dry container it is not necessary to use a new one.This is according to my Urologist.Keep a couple of spare tubes in the bag in case you drop the tube on the floor or the sink.I hope this message will help those of you who have questions.I have learned a lot over the past 10 years about living with my Indiana pouch althogh I still dont have all the answers.If I can help anyone with questions they have please let me know.Having great doctors & the blessing of the Lord I have done well.One other thing,It is a good idea to keep extra tubes in the glove compartment of your vehicle.As long as they are in thier sterile wrappers & unopened they will be ok.
Ernest
