Question:
Possible Stricture???

I posted this on the forum, but am afraid it will get buried quickly, so I'm posting here as well. Thanks for your understanding!!!! I have a question pertaining to strictures. I have tried to understand how the intestine was rerouted on the RNY, as best I can on my own, went looking for photos, drawings but not too clear on the other end of things where the bowels are concerned. I have noticed a weird numbness which is not anywhere near one of my scars. It lies on my lower left about 4-5" below my naval, and as my Dr. kindly pointed out - no where near the scar on the bottom left. I was worried it might be scar tissue, and that it could be beginning to block my abilities in the BM department if you know what I mean. He said not to worry about it, we'll look at it my next appt. if it's still bothering me, as long as I am able to "go", I'm probably fine? Not really having any BM issues, but, feeling more constipated. He said "we" could do a colonoscopy to look at it if needed. Anyone else have anything like I'm describing here, that could give insight at all? Thanks, I hate talking about this in particular...way too personal...but I don't want to wait til is gets worse (if it is what I'm thinking it might be - a stricture). Appreciate hearing anyone elses experiences - thanks! Lisa    — Lisa1212 (posted on March 14, 2010)

March 14, 2010
I had a colonscopy and an endoscopy, because of issues. I too have major constipation, but I think it is from the protein shakes to tell you the truth. When I had the endoscopy, afterwards my barfing got better, but I am still not eating protein i.e., meat.
   — FSUMom

March 14, 2010
Hi Lisa... very glad you're talking with your doc. He really knows best. But, here are some thoughts: I personally don't think a numb area on the skin of your tummy would be related to a problem with your intestine. An intestinal problem presents as a deep pain in the gut... or, if bad, a sharp pain... but it wouldn't feel like it was on your skin. That's a different issue... maybe related to some slight nerve damage during surgery? You can tell I'm not a doc, but I think a stricture would present either as an inability to keep things down (if the stricture was high-up close to the stomach) or a problem with BMs and lots of pain if it was further down. I, too was constipated after RNY, but added a fiber supplement to my diet and that did the trick. This was reccomended by my nutritionist. You can get Benefiber powder which you stir into one of your many liquids. In my case, I found I tolerate chewable fiber pills well, and somehow prefer that to yet another mixing job. I take two fiber pills with each of my vitamin doses... breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Constipation problem solved. Again, good for you for going to your doc with your concerns... while this board can be helpful, we aren't docs and I do sometimes see bad information given out (some may think MY info is bad, so there!). Best wishes on the losers' bench and feel better soon!
   — Greg K.

March 15, 2010
When I had a stricture it was more aproblem of not keeping food down. The outlet was too small for food to pass through. bowel problems are very normal. I take two stool softeners daily to avoid problems. Still it can be troubling when it begins. I don't knwo what the numb area is about. Hope you get to feeling less worried about it.
   — trible