Hi,
First off, I just wanted to thank you all for participating in this forum. I just discovered it----literally 15 minutes ago---and I already feel better just knowing there are other women out here with my same questions.

I've had severe chronic UC since I was twelve years old (I'm now 25) and had The Surgeries in 2000, with a lovely J-Pouch to boot. Except for the occasional pouchitis, everything was fine for years until maybe three years ago, when I had to have surgery to remove the scar tissue around my anal anastamosis because the scarring was bad enough to block my two-inch long colon. Then I had to have that same surgery 6 months later. Then another 6 months later. Then four months later. Then another four months later. And now, for the past year and a half, I've had to have my anal stricture dilated every three months, like clockwork. This sucks!!!!!!!

Not only is it a bit painful, but it costs money, takes about a week out of my job and life, but I'm worried it may interfere with my plans to have children.

My husband and I just got married in September, and we'd like to conceive. But I--well, both of us, really----am worried about timing. Is is possible and healthy to have a baby now, when I'm in this 3-month-surgery-cycle? And if it's not, when will it be?! I'm worried that not only am I not getting better, but this may just get progressively worse. What if I start requiring suergeries every two months? Every month?

Please, does anyone have any answers or advice for me? I'd really appreciate anything you could tell me. Thanks a lot.

With the amount of dilations you have required, it is a shame that your surgeon did not suggest a home dilation tool to maintain your opening and prevent a new stricture. You just need to insert it daily to maintain the good work of the surgeon. Cheap, easy, and perfectly safe. I would call your surgeon and inquire about it. If he declines, make sure to ask why, since you are motivated to avoid anesthesia while you are trying to conceive.

Of course, your surgeon will not benefit from this home treatment method, but doesn't it make more sense to prevent the stricture than to dilate it once it is there??? One person here was told to use a taper candle because they did not have the official tool at the docotor's office!

Jan

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jan Dollar,

Thank you so much for your suggestion, Jan. My surgeon did once say something to the effect that in time, it might be a good idea to use a dialator at home, but has made no other suggestions. I will definitely ask him.

Would it hurt a lot to use the home dialator? And I wouldn't be in danger of tearing anything?

Thanks again....there's hope!!

Karen

Some people have more discomfort than others. You could ask for some lidocaine jelly for inserting, but it is probably best to not. This is because you don't want to stop your pain too much because that should be your guide. Once you are dilated, you do not use the tool to break up any strictured tissue. You only use it to maintain the opening. You may feel a some twinges as you are inserting if there is some early formation of scar tissue. But, this would be while they are quite soft. There is no real danger as long as you are careful (no ramming it in at crazy angles). You just ease it in gradually. Others here have used it without issue.

Jan

Ok, thanks, that's good to know. I have an appointment with my surgeon next week and I'll certainly ask him. I really appreciate your suggestion, and thanks for answering my question so promptly and thoroughly!

Take care, and all my best, Karen