- Joined
- Sep 2, 2015
- Messages
- 9
I cannot get the search function to work, so I am starting a new thread in hopes of getting answers, or links to earlier threads.
I have had Crohn's for 60 years, and only needed an operation in 1979, so that's 40 years ago. I had a sub-total colectomy and an ileo-rectal anastomosis, with a couple of small resections done as well. I have been in work all my life, and had only minor troubles with the Crohn's and peri-anal fistulae since that operation, the fistulae being finally cured 3 years ago with Infliximab and Azathioprine. I came off these as I kept getting infections from cuts and cat scratches, and have not had any recurrence of the fistulae, but I have, for the last 2 years had symptoms of a stricture, confirmed by MRI and sygmoidoscopies, at the site of the ileo-rectal anastomsis, just a very short way into the rectum from the anus. No blockages, just bloating etc., which I controlled with an ultra low fibre diet, i.e. no five a day for me!
2 months ago I had a balloon dilation done whilst I was having one of my all too regular flexible sygmoidoscpois, undertaken by the colorectal surgeon who looks after me in conjunction with the gastroenterologist, and all appeared to go well, expanding up to 19mm, but afterwards I had a lot of bleeding from the dilation site, and had to stay in hospital for 2 days, treated with Tranexamic acid, which did, eventually, stem the bleed, and I returned home to a better feeling internally. I am now experiencing somewhat similar symptoms to before the dilation, but cannot confirm a return to narrowing until after anext MRI, but I would like to know if anyone has had, successfully, multiple balloon dilations. I would try again, but worry about a more serious repeat of the bleeding. I have seen mention of stents, does such a thing exist for the bowel, again, anyone with any experience?
Thankfully I am in the UK, and 1 million hearty cheers for our NHS, which has kept me in gainful employment throughout my adult life.
I have had Crohn's for 60 years, and only needed an operation in 1979, so that's 40 years ago. I had a sub-total colectomy and an ileo-rectal anastomosis, with a couple of small resections done as well. I have been in work all my life, and had only minor troubles with the Crohn's and peri-anal fistulae since that operation, the fistulae being finally cured 3 years ago with Infliximab and Azathioprine. I came off these as I kept getting infections from cuts and cat scratches, and have not had any recurrence of the fistulae, but I have, for the last 2 years had symptoms of a stricture, confirmed by MRI and sygmoidoscopies, at the site of the ileo-rectal anastomsis, just a very short way into the rectum from the anus. No blockages, just bloating etc., which I controlled with an ultra low fibre diet, i.e. no five a day for me!
2 months ago I had a balloon dilation done whilst I was having one of my all too regular flexible sygmoidoscpois, undertaken by the colorectal surgeon who looks after me in conjunction with the gastroenterologist, and all appeared to go well, expanding up to 19mm, but afterwards I had a lot of bleeding from the dilation site, and had to stay in hospital for 2 days, treated with Tranexamic acid, which did, eventually, stem the bleed, and I returned home to a better feeling internally. I am now experiencing somewhat similar symptoms to before the dilation, but cannot confirm a return to narrowing until after anext MRI, but I would like to know if anyone has had, successfully, multiple balloon dilations. I would try again, but worry about a more serious repeat of the bleeding. I have seen mention of stents, does such a thing exist for the bowel, again, anyone with any experience?
Thankfully I am in the UK, and 1 million hearty cheers for our NHS, which has kept me in gainful employment throughout my adult life.
