understanding strictures...confused.

When I was dealing with my stricture, the first dilation was such a relief. I could empty completely and easily. Within two weeks I had to go back and have it dilated again as I was having difficulty again. (Had to go a total of 5 times before it finally stayed open). So yes, I think it could re-form again that quickly.

Call your surgeon. I f this is indeed a stricture forming you do not want to wait to see him/her.
Possibly it is just healing still. but I would be skeptical of a stricture. From what I h ave read, they are not uncommon after hand sewing the pouch.
Please let us know how you make out. I have had several dilations with a stapled anastomosis with the last one appearing to work best so far. Inflammation always creates issues for me with emptying the pouch.

I just sent her an email, or her aid rather, i dont expect to hear anything soon considering its Friday and all. I'm kinda working myself up about this.

Try and remain calm. Strictures can be managed.

You may want to ask the doctor about adding miralax or lactulose to help with getting things moving down there..I am dealing with multiple strictures and have had dilation and also taking lactulose.

keep us posted and good luck

Mike can you describe what it's like dealing with your strictures? And I actually went to Walmart and got some miralax. Just drank a glass of Gatorade with probably 9 grams of miralax which is basically half a dose...scared to go full right now

I have had outlet strictures late in the game that required dilation. Mine may be related to my perianal fistula.

Anyway, boy do they help... When I feel tight, and things are thicker, I sometimes use 1/2 a dose of Milk of Magnesia. It's non-stimulant properties are what I can tolerate. Or I just take 1-2 Mag Ox tabs. Magnesium pulls fluid into the bowel, which makes for a looser stool that's easier to pass.

My worst stricture had me in my CRS's office begging for an ostomy. Seriously. I had to strike bizarre poses to get even minimal amounts out. Gas wouldn't come out unless I lay on my back with my knees up to my ears. Just an awful feeling. The other times, it was never as severe.

How fast would you say milk of magnesia works and how much do u take? I took half a regular dose of Mira lax last night and no effect.

Sorry, just read again you said 1/2 dose

Good lord, I was waiting for this milk of magnesia to kick in. Took 30ml dose and 4.5 hours later it started. I am keeping up my water intake or powerade rather but I can see how it would dehydrate you. I hope this helps with my feeling of not emptying fully...maybe I'll take less then 30ml tomorrow just to see if I can keep it a good medium between too thick and too loose

I always err on the side of less. Can always add, can never take away. 15mls for me is enough.

I also am someone who has never needed Immodium, so...

Usually it gives me 1-3 good stool output, then slows. It should not last you hours and hours. Also, this is never a daily requirement for me... But it works when I need it to. Plus, you took Miralax AND MOM close-ish together. You may be getting a double effect.

Next time, maybe try one tab of Magnesium Oxide. You can get them in the vitamin supplement aisle. I find them even gentler.

I'll try the pills as well. I'm interested to see how tomorrow will be. Going to start it out without Mom and see how it goes. I'm also not bleeding but their is reddish liquid output mostly on tp.

At my doctor appointment, was checked in office for a stricture but she said it felt great, no issues there, she's concerned about my night sweats and this pain I have across my abdomen so she's sending me for a CT scan, 1 1/2 cups of contrast down...waiting to be taken back.

Good luck. Keep us in the loop.