@Jan Dollar posted:Hernia is less of a risk than damage to the pouch through prolapse or even the circulation to the pouch. Straining is a sign of either stool that is too solid, anal or pouch inlet stricture, or even prolapse that already exists. The first two issues are easy to diagnose. Prolapse is more difficult, since it cannot be seen by regular examination or scoping. Prolapse is only seen during defecation and is where the pouch structure collapses on itself. Surgical repair is possible, but not always successful.
Straining until you see stars is always a sign of poor function.
Jan
Uh oh.. I've seen stars for over two years!! I don't see it everytime, but sometimes I do. sometimes I feel a bit faint/weak when I strain. It's been going on for so long, I thought it was normal.. the straining...
The stool is Not too solid.. I mean, once in a while it is, if I eat too much cheese.. but many times the stool is in little bits.. like little curly shapes. Oh, it really varies. Sometimes it's loose... etc. etc. It really does vary.
I haven't been to my colo-rectal surgeon in two years.. I was thinking of contacting him but have not due to covid.. but maybe I should. I don't have a gastro.. I had been to many gastros before getting really really ill/almost dying and at that point, a team of two colo-rectal surgeons came into my life as an emergency situation and removed my colon and then I only saw them for a few years after that. Then one of them moved so I started going to the other, then he moved and I started seeing another colo-rectal surgeon who said I didn't need to see a gastro. He has done two pouchoscopies over the years and stretched things out once. He's very good.. so were the other two colo rectal surgeons. So perhaps I should call his office this coming week instead of just wondering what the heck is going on. If I recall though, I think he knew I strained. Well, it wouldn't hurt to call the office.
So how do they see if you have a prolapse?? Do they put a camera up you and then you poop??? Mind boggling to think how they would see.