Hi All. Long time lurker...
I'm 6 weeks post takedown. After about 2 weeks I noticed myself straining very hard to empty my pouch. Surgeon noted that I had a 'tight' anastomosis (ie stricture) and suggested meds/fibre to bulk the stool and get the area to stretch on its own.
Of course that remedy failed and 3 weeks later I was in for a dilation under anaesthesia. For 2 days after that it did seem a lot better, I was passing anything without having to push very hard at all. But now, just a week after the procedure, it seems like it's just how it was before. Lots of tenesmus and I have to push real hard to fully empty (and even then, I often leave the bathroom still feeling like I haven't emptied). I've resorted to drinking prune juice regularly to keep everything moving along.
My question is, is it common for the stricture to re-form this soon after a dilation, or is there a chance what I'm experiencing now is actually due to something else? My Surgeon said I can 'maintain' the opening myself with a lubed-up index finger. I do this every day and can get my knuckle past the 'ridge' where the connection is, so I know it hasn't fully closed up. Surgeon also said (during the examination) that the pouch itself looks great - no pouch/cuffitis happening.
Dan.
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