Hey everyone,
So according to my doc, I have pelvic floor weakness/tight anal sphincter. Ive had my jpouch for over a year now and everything was really great until this past spring. I noticed I was having a hard time emptying. I started straining a lot. Then I noticed a bulge in my vagina. Had a bit of a stricture so my doc took care of that but it did not solve the problem. Surgeon then ordered anal manometry and defecating test. Defecating test just verified that I’m not emptying. No afferent limb or pouch prolapse seen. Manometry showed that my sphincter pressure was too high? So she sent me to PT. Didn’t do biofeedback but the physical therapist did manual massaging of sphincter and wants me to do these other exercises. Plus she had me order this pelvic wand that she wants me to use to massage the sphincter at home. Has anyone else done this? I’ve heard of self dilation but not sphincter massaging/stretching? She said that my sphincter seemed like it was relaxing ok, but that the tissue felt tight and rigid and the opening didn’t seem quite big enough. I have to take miralax daily and use water enemas often to empty my pouch. I’m so frustrated. I’m doubtful this wand thing is going to work but I’m gonna try. Has anyone else dealt with this? Oh and I did find out I have mild/moderate bladder prolapse too...prob from all the straining plus having two kids. I’m worried if I can’t stop straining, I’m gonna make this vag bulge worse!
thanks for listening