I have a 19 year-old J-pouch. over the last few months, the anastamosis (sp?) has developed strictures that have had me in the ER several times, sometimes as often as once a week. As a result of reading posts on the J-Pouch Forum, and discussions with my doctor, I have started to self-dilate with Hegar Uterine Dilators, a couple of weeks ago , going up from 12mm to finally 18 mms, the "optimum" level, I believe. I started doing it every evening and now are down to twice a week, moving, I hope, to once a week, with the intention of staying there. I keep the dilator in for about 90 seconds, moving it around to stretch the scar-tissue area. I seem to suffer for 24 hrs, or a bit more after each self-dilation with gas and some cramp pain. My question is, is it normal for that to happen? And, should I maybe just get the dilator in place and NOT try to do more stretching? Any advice will be very appreciated!
Larry B