atxbomber,
This is a late reply, but hopefully you will see it! I am (unfortunately) Very familiar with this procedure--I have had it done now about
8 times. The surgeon does this procedure using many different sized "dialators," which look kind of like a tampon but made of stainless steel. The begin by putting in the smallest one, and keep upping the gauge, slowing stretching the scar tissue. The tissue will tear, but they heal the torn flesh shut with a laser, so it is an outpatient surgery.
The good thing is they knock you out, so you won't remember a thing. Also, you will be able to go to the bathroom again (it is so miserable when that scar tissue is blocking everything from passing)!!
As far as discomfort goes, I never had much pain or discomfort afterward. the first time you go to the bathroom after will feel a bit tender, but nothing like shooting pains, and you may bleed for a day or two. I went back to work the next day.
**One thing about
this surgery is that for many people, the stricture tends to close back up again in time, especially if you are having a flare of your Crohn's or colitis. That is the reason I have had this procedure done many times. However, the last time I had it done, the stricture stayed
open for 4 1/2 years!! The surgeon said that was a record.
I was told that complications of this surgery include 1.) damaging the muscles down there which could cause a lack of control (like incontinence)-BUT this typically only occurs in people who have had this surgery many times (I have NEVER had any issues with that). 2.) Getting an infection (this has happened to me twice after this surgery, but a little antibiotics clear things right up). I have never heard of "losing the rectum" that you mentioned...perhaps they meant "lose muscle control" down there...??
Anyway, GOOD LUCK with your procedure, and I am sure it will go just fine!
