MRI two weeks ago says I have 4 strictures, all short ones (2-3cm) and all within 30-35 cm from the ileocecal valve with the first one about 5-6cm above the valve. Before the MRI, I had a colonoscopy in which the first two strictures were balloon dilated, but the gastroenterologist didn't do the next 2 strictures because he said "I don't know if there are even more thereafter" - well the MRI showed there weren't any thereafter... The balloon dilation was with one of the narrow balloons, only 16mm.
The 2 severe strictures have existed for years, they have been seen on an MRI back in 2011. I still felt pretty good from 2012 to beginning of this year.
I am still generally fine, no inflammation and no vomiting, no diarrhea etc. - but daily bloating of the belly, gas and "gurgling" sounds and discomfort after eating on many days that sometimes is moderately painful.
Ok, so I have another colonoscopy planned with balloon dilations for the last 2 strictures + having the first two strictures dilated to 20mm - but it will be only in December.
The doc who did the colonoscopy and balloon dilation is a different guy than my regular gastroenterologist. My regular gastroenterologist said due to the severity of the strictures (the MRI showed severe bloating from the contrast fluid), he suggests I should go for surgery and he warned me of the likelihood of an obstruction. I already had surgery with 60cm of small intestine removed and a strictureplasty for another 40cm or so and am worried of small bowel syndrome. I already have problems with malabsorption of certain things such as iron, magnesium etc.
My regular gastroenterologist has also said we should not start Humira (I have been on azathioprine with a 2 year post since 2003).
QUESTION: I am really unsure about how to proceed. I know I had strictures for years and lived with them. But things have gone worse, but not as worse as I know many people with severe strictures have it. I am still worried about obstructions. My plan is still to wait for December for the second balloon dilation - or is that not sensible and I should ask for surgery now? Anyone had an obstruction even though he or she knew about severe strictures and made sure to eat non-obstructing food?
The 2 severe strictures have existed for years, they have been seen on an MRI back in 2011. I still felt pretty good from 2012 to beginning of this year.
I am still generally fine, no inflammation and no vomiting, no diarrhea etc. - but daily bloating of the belly, gas and "gurgling" sounds and discomfort after eating on many days that sometimes is moderately painful.
Ok, so I have another colonoscopy planned with balloon dilations for the last 2 strictures + having the first two strictures dilated to 20mm - but it will be only in December.
The doc who did the colonoscopy and balloon dilation is a different guy than my regular gastroenterologist. My regular gastroenterologist said due to the severity of the strictures (the MRI showed severe bloating from the contrast fluid), he suggests I should go for surgery and he warned me of the likelihood of an obstruction. I already had surgery with 60cm of small intestine removed and a strictureplasty for another 40cm or so and am worried of small bowel syndrome. I already have problems with malabsorption of certain things such as iron, magnesium etc.
My regular gastroenterologist has also said we should not start Humira (I have been on azathioprine with a 2 year post since 2003).
QUESTION: I am really unsure about how to proceed. I know I had strictures for years and lived with them. But things have gone worse, but not as worse as I know many people with severe strictures have it. I am still worried about obstructions. My plan is still to wait for December for the second balloon dilation - or is that not sensible and I should ask for surgery now? Anyone had an obstruction even though he or she knew about severe strictures and made sure to eat non-obstructing food?
