Hi everyone. Just an update. Started with some deep aching across the top of my buttocks this past week. Visited my GI doc who wanted to know who the OB/GYN was and why she would do such an exam. He examined my cuff and anastomosis and said there was trauma done to the anastomosis and that I am developing a stricture there. He ordered four hot baths a day, lots of heating pad time, and a bottle of desitin, gloves, and to use a single finger to massage that sight a couple times a day. I guess this is kinda like a self dilation? as he gave it a good one in the office
. He wants to see me back in the office in two weeks and he will scope my pouch then. He says the problem is not in the actual pouch but the anastomosis site because of the trauma to it. He said we are still ok at this point and that as long as I do these things, it should get better. I'm hoping so. He said the stricture is what is causing the pain. I have usually pretty good pain tolerance ( as all of us J-pouchers and UC survivors have had plenty of experience with pain!). Although it is frustrating, I did allow myself a private little cry in the car ride after my appointment. But a few hours later, my husband and I were poking fun at me and my new unfun issue. Most of the jokes cannot be typed for public viewing (LOL!!). But he did mention that I should get a tattoo down there that said DO NOT on one but cheek and ENTER on the other (NOPE, not doing that
). You know... what can you do but cry a little and laugh as much as possible?!! (oh, and buy some wonderful bubble bath)
