After many healthy j-pouch years, I now have a stricture and my doctor wants to do a surgical dilation. What exactly will he be doing in there? What is it like? I will be "out", but what about after? Will I bleed alot? Will I be in pain? Will I have to do this all the time now? The truth...please!

Thank you all so much!

Hi Beth,
Different doctors do dilation under different settings. Some do it in-office with no sedation, others use sedation, others use general anesthetic. Did he mention which method he uses? Mine are done with sedation, it's really not too bad. I sometimes have more pain than other times, you can probably count on an uncomfortable feeling and a feeling of inflammation/minor swelling. It sometimes is a bit uncomfortable to sit in one position for long periods for a couple days.
I've never had very much bleeding, just a bit on the toilet paper for a day or less.
Since you say you've had your pouch for years and have just developed this 'problem' then I'd guess that it has been occuring very gradually - so hopefully once you're dilated the area should stay open for another few years. It depends on the person. I have been having stricture problems since takedown 6 months ago but I think I am a 'special' (bad) case
I wouldn't worry too much about it, it's really not a big deal. I'd just be cautious with food that day, the meds they give you can slow your bowel plus any inflammation from the procedure can lead to uncomfortable bowel movements that day so I'd stick to liquids to be cautious. I'm sure you'll be fine

I've had the procedure done a few times now - each time under anaesthetic. I have found it to be pretty easy going really - nothing compared to what you have already been through to get your pouch in the first place.