I have to have my J-Pouch area??? stretched again at the end of August due to numerous blockages. Does stretching it help any of you? I would think they could place an item in there to keep it stretched because I think it just goes back the way it was.

I was dilated or stretched in February and soon after that I believe the opening went back to the way that it was. I finally got some great news from the Mayo CLinic when they gave me a self dilator. Now I maintain that opening and it seems to be really helping.

How often do you have to dilate? And what actually is the part you are dilating? I really don't know.

Pegg,

A J-pouch is made by bending a section of small intestine (Illium) around into a J. At the bottom of the J the Dr makes a hole that is them attached to the anus. The stricture is caused by the hole trying to heal itself closed. The same thing can happen (less often) at the top of the J. These are the places that are "stretched".

Mine was down to 1/8th inch, a baloon stretch opened it to about 1/2" and my girl friend has opened it to about 1" with her fingers, which is all you need for both normal function and is big enough for your Dr to use any scope to check you pouch - which should happen on a regular basis as determined by your Dr and you.

I've had my pouch 27 years this has been my biggest problem.

Bill

Bill, very interesting. Thanks for the J-Pouch explanation. How often does it need to be stretched?

Pegg,

Thats something you would have to work out we do mine weekly for a base line, if it seems to be getting tighter we do more. When we opened it up originally we needed several times weekly. There will be a little blood as you are breaking adhesion's as you open it. One note of caution it took us a year to get it to its present size just do a little stretch at a time.

Your doctor can give you a prescription for Anal Dilator's but again stretch with your fingers and never force a dilator or other object in there.

If you Google jpouch construction you can find a lot of information about your pouch.

I was diagnosed with UC when I was 9 in the late '60s. In '82 I had my pouch surgery and I lived a normal life until my accident put me into a wheelchair in 2000 when I was given an ostomy so I could care for it by myself.

I still have my pouch but as its not being used it doesn't get all the nutrients it needs so I'm dealing with a little pouchitis.

One last thing Yogurt really helps my system and even thickens my output from my ostomy.

Bill

Bill,

Thanks so much for the tips. I feel so bad for you. You've been through a lot.

I'm a little confused (not unusual for me). So even though you have the ostomy now, you still have your J-Pouch stretched weekly? And do you go to the doctor for that? One more question - what are the signs that you need it stretched?

Pegg

Pegg,

Don't be sorry, I have no issues it just what is these days.

I hoped when I went to the ostomy that someday I could go back to my pouch and a normal (walking) life so I still have it. I have a case of pouchitas because I don't use the pouch anymore. Some of the nutrients the pouch/intestines need come out of the food they are digesting.

I stretch at home but see the doctor for the pouchitas including a scope at least once a year. We stretch to keep it open to be able to use the scope.

To see if it needs to be stretched are you having problems emptying your pouch? that could be a sign. The easiest way is to feel it with you fingers or your Dr can tell you if it is shrinking. My Dr tells me about an inch should be enough so if you (or your significant other/caregiver)can get two fingers in and spread them apart a little your probably fine.

As I look at your post I wonder if you even need to worry about it. only 15% - 20% of jpouches have stricture problems. If your Dr hasn't said anything and your not having issues like pain or trouble emptying your pouch you may not need to even worry about it.

Also you are seeing a doctor regularly? Dr Becker who is a pioneer with jpouchs recomends a minimum of
1. a visit every 6 months with dilation and check of rectal cuff
2. A manometer test yearly
3. A sigmoidoscopy every 5 years maximum.

I get checked every 6 months with a scope every six months to a year depending on how things are going. Discuss this stuff with your Dr to get things in order for you.
Keep asking I'll try to help if I can.

I lived in Troy Oh. a few years back, where is Haskins?

Bill

This message has been edited. Last edited by: wmaxt,

What is a manometer test?