Question:
Stricture Hell

Almost 11 weeks post op and I am experiencing Stricture Hell. I just had my 3rd dilation wednesday and am scheduled for my 4th next thursday. After the 1st stretch I had about 3 days of relief then everything went back to the way it was, 2nd stretch no relief at all, 3rd stretch lots of nausia some relief but not enough. I am so petrified to eat because I feel sosososooooo sick for so long after. I am feeling right no that there is no end in sight to the pain. My doctor keeps telling me that it will get better just to have faith in the process yada yada yada but I don't. I feel like this surgery was the biggest mistake I ever made and my spirits are low. I was hoping maybe I could find someone on here that has been through a similar experience that would be willing to offer some guidance. I am really at my whits end right now and could use a friend. Thanks for listening. :0)    — jillian_amari (posted on August 6, 2010)

August 6, 2010
I had trouble with strictures. Had three proceedures to stretch it. I lived on cream soups, cottage cheese, and protien drinks for the five months it took to resolve the problem. But it did settle and it is fine now. I still am leary of eating much at a time or things like salad. I am two years out now. It getts better.
   — trible

August 6, 2010
I had 2 or 3 strictures too, life was so rough, and yes it does get better girl!!! I still can't tolerate protein in a meat form, other than some stewed beef I make in the pressure cooker.
   — FSUMom

August 7, 2010
Don't give up Girl! Are you losing weight? Inches? Eat soft creamly stuff like the advice from the last poster; of course SF and low fat and soft fruits and veggies. Do some walking, it will help lift your spirits. Also go to your groups and psych. You will get better! Hugs to you.
   — Pilar12

August 7, 2010
I know how you feel, I am having my 4th stretch on Friday. Are you taking any medications to help with the nausea? You may want to try something for some relief. I take a lot of medications, because I had my entire stomach removed so I have very little space. Meds that help are Zofran, Carafate, Phenegran and if all else fails and you can find a doctor who will write the script there is Marinol. It works just like marijuana. I take all. The Marinol is the best, but you are very HIGH when taking. But I am at a stage that I have malnutrition so I will take anything that helps. The doctors say that most people only need one stretch. I wish I was so lucky. Good Luck!!
   — dowens67

August 10, 2010
Hey everyone thank you so much for all of the responses it helps alot to know that I am not alone. This has been the hardest thing I have ever been through in my life. I am losing weight I am down about 55 pounds in three months but I just feel like I am not losing it the right way. I have a lactose problem so not only can I not eat much food but I also cant do dairy and the protein shakes make me sick as well. I do ok with chobana wich is a low dairy high protein yogart, right now I live on that stuff. Also I have not asked for anything for the nausia although maybe I should. I am on omeprezol for the heartburn which helps alot but if I could make the nausia go away maybe my brain could trick my body to keep some stuff down. Hope ya'll accept my friend requests and keep in touch. Thank you so much again.
   — jillian_amari

August 26, 2010
hi all, hope you don't mind if I jump on the bandwagon. I had my surgery RNY, 4 weeks ago and haven't thrown up even once.....until today. I had scrambled egg whites this morning and not for the first time. I experienced TERRIBLE pain then threw it up so I figured, ok back to basics. A little while later I tried some apple sauce which usually goes down extremely well and, again, terrible pain and threw it up too. I'm scared to death that a stricture has developed or do you think I've just been lucky with not throwing up so far? TY
   — Orilliagurl50