Has anyone dealt with anal stenosis?

Posted by rioa21 @rioa21, Apr 8, 2023

I recently completed treatment for anal cancer. The radiation has done so much damage. I’ve gone from one thing to another and now have anal stenosis. I was scheduled for a colonoscopy last week and the doctor couldn’t do it. The opening is minuscule. I am now scheduled with another gastroenterologist to do a flexible sigmoidoscopy. He is more experienced with this procedure than the first doctor. Has anyone had this issue? I’d like to know how your problem was fixed. Did you have surgery? Or did the problem resolve on its own?

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mickey1010 | @mickey1010 | May 7, 2023

Have you tried anal dilators to help strengthen and stretch the area?

rioa21 | @rioa21 | May 8, 2023

In reply to @mickey1010 "Have you tried anal dilators to help strengthen and stretch the area?" + (show)

Thank you for responding to my post. No one has suggested I try that. I think my sphincter muscle is so damaged from the radiation that nothing will help at this point. My second colonoscopy was a success. The doctor was more familiar with this issue and used pediatric equipment to do the job. I am learning to live with it.

lat59 | @lat59 | May 8, 2023

In reply to @rioa21 "Thank you for responding to my post. No one has suggested I try that. I think..." + (show)

For what its worth, I experienced anal stenosis during and after radiation and into subsequent chemo therapy. Now at 7 months post surgery my stenosis is continuing to get better. Quite disappointing for many months. Hopefully you will experience relief in the coming months. It has been a trying journey that is getting better. God Bless