Hello all!

I'm at the Mayo Clinic for the first of a 2-3 day stay. I'm getting all my pre-op labs and apps done today then have my procedure tomorrow. Dr. Metzger will be doing a pouch scope and anastomoses dilation under anesthesia tomorrow morning then I'll be staying for up to 23 hours. I'm so looking forward to having this procedure done, getting an accurate diagnosis and hopefully get a permanent plan in place!

I'll keep you posted...Wish me luck

Alex

Sending the best of luck vibes Alex. Enjoy the 'vacation.'

kathy

My fingers are crossed for you, Alex! I recently had some surgery and had worked myself up to a frenzy knowing my j-pouch would be "in danger". I was able to calm myself by talking to myself about how very nice it would be to "be under" and completely asleep for the first time in months! I don't even remember entering the OR!!!!! I must have needed that drug induced sleep! I know I did! Here is hoping for an excellent outcome to your procedure and diagnosis!

I will be praying for you. I know it is not easy but try to relax and like other post I to could use that drug induced sleep! Enjoy that part while you can and believe everything else will work out.

Let me know if your still there and what room your in, maybe I can swing over and see you.

Lots of luck...
Sharon

Hi guys and gals!

Thanks for the kind words of encouragement!

Chuckus - I just saw your post but wasn't there very long anyhow. I was released at around 2:30pm Friday. Would have loved a visit from a fellow poucher though!!

I'm home now and still feeling the effects of general anesthesia so this is the first time I've been back on the site.

The procedure went well and I finally have some answers!!! What was found...I had a stricture at anastomosis site, but no pouchitis(which I was certain I still had). Dr. Metzger said there was no sign of pouchitis or Crohns!! He even went onto say that the area above the pouch looks great. Great news right?? Well good and bad...I got the surprise of my life when he said I have Cuffitis...I didn't even know I had any cuff left!!!! I was under the impression that the cuff was stripped when I had my surgery originally, guess I was wrong! I also have a small anal fissure.

All of this makes complete sense due to the symptoms I have been having. The pain and pressure has definately been in what I would persieve to be the anastomosis area.

Treatment plan is no fun but at least I have a treatment plan. I am to self dialate twice a day (yuck and OUCH!!!!!), use cortifoam enemas twice a day and then with a q-tip, insert a pea sized amount of Nifedipine ointment into the anal area twice a day. For someone who can't even tolerate a digital exam in the office, the dilations are going to be a challenge but I will give it my best shot.

I'm very thankful I have some answers and a plan in place. We'll see how it goes and hopefully I will have some relief very soon!!

I'm going to ask a question about dilation in need advice now so check it out please

Thank you everyone for your support!

Alex