Stricture and tethering
Hi,
I just wanted to see if anyone would share their experiences with me. This is my first post on here.
I’m Laura, I’ve had Crohns for 25 years and over that time developed a number of strictures. My recent MR scan has revealed that now I have tethering too. Surgery, upping medication or change in medication has been suggested. I just wondered if anyone has been through the same and what worked for them? I know everyone is different but in honesty I feel in limbo now! I’m expecting another phone call about the best way forward. Thanks everyone 😊
Hi
, thanks so much for reaching out and for joining our community! 25 years is quite a long time to live with Crohn's.. you're so strong! I know a lot of people here have discussed strictures, but I have to admit- I haven't seen much discussion around tethering! I'm curious to know what your outcome is for the best way forward. Keep us updated, if you can! We'll be thinking of you! - Pam (team member) Thank you for your reply. I’ve been told that I’m to have an MRI scan every year from now on. I have an appointment with my consultant this week too so hoping to understand more about what’s going on as getting lots of mixed messages! I'm glad you have an upcoming appointment scheduled. Fingers crossed for you that you get some answers! 🤞🏼 - Pam (team member)
Hey
- welcome to the site!
No experience with the tethering I'm afraid. Had strictures in the past, but ended having a resection to remove them. It was a good job, because when they got in there, they realised it was actually an abscess and twisted piece of intestine! Lucky they didn't try to dilate them!
A friend, and fellow #IBDSuperHeroes FB group admin, is due to have his strictures dilated soon. They have identified fibrotic change, but it's not clear whether strictures are due to this, previous surgery, active inflammation, or bowel wall thickening. IBD can be so complicated, can't it?! They are increasing some of his meds in the hope that decreasing inflammation and dilating the strictures will help - but who knows how long for!? There's not currently any treatment to treat the fibrosis, so it's very much a suck it and see, situation!
~ Sahara (Team member)Thanks for your reply. I’ll look into that on the website. I know, they are complicated aren’t they! That was my main concern too. I have a consultant appointment this week to I’m hoping to clear up any worries and communication issues as I’m very unhappy with how the hospital have informed me. Lots of mixed messages! how did the appointment go?
~ Sahara (team member)
