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3rd bowel resection because of crohns

Ang71

Ang71

Hi, I've had crohn's for 13 years, first diagnosed when I was 29 but symptoms started when I was 21. I was told at 21 the pain was my hormones because i hadn't long had a child, but the pain was still there 4 years later when I had my 4th child. I got very sick lost about 30kg in 6 weeks & no one could tell me what was wrong I was put on antibiotics & pain killers which was doing nothing. I ended up i couldn't walk i went to emergency then everything started happening from there. They found I had crohn's when my appendix split and they had to open me up to fix that before the op I had to have a blood transfusion. then while they were fixing that they found my bowel had bad inflammation and was stuck to other organs. so I had to go back about 2mths later to get that fix so i had a bowel resection. The second bowel resection was after a fistula formed which came from the bowel and out through my abdomen. Which took a year of waiting to get that fixed so for a year I had to keep it clean and constantly redressing it. the last month before my surgery i had gallbladder problem so that was removed while i was in surgery. I was put on methotrexate, first weekly injections for about 9mths then tablets. The side effects were not pleasant at all. So I am now here needing a 3rd bowel resection because I have a 5cm blockage and the bowel is inflammation again. I've had cramping and vomiting for the past year. I've had a colonoscopy, MRI & CT scan done to confirm the problem. So I'm back to waiting for another operation. I have booked and paid for a holiday in October 2013 it is now july 2013 and hoping I get a letter from the surgeons very soon or I will have no choice but put of the op until after my holiday! All my ops I have been cut im hoping I can have key hole surgery this time, but my specialist said it is highly unlikely because of past surgery's and scar tissue but it will be up to the surgeon.. After my surgery they are going to try me on biologic which the side affects are suppose to be not as bad as methotrexate..I also have psoriasis not sure if it is connected to crohns.. So that's a brief incite to my crohns history.. If you would like to ask me any questions please ask I'm happy to answer anything :)
 
Ang71

Ang71

Small world hay.. What part of Qld are you in?? You would know what our public hospital system is like.. I really wish I got private cover the first time I was diagnosed..
 
***Lisa***

***Lisa***

Hi Ang:

My daughter's problems with inflammation ended when she started taking vitamin D3 supplements. She stopped taking them for two days and immediately started bleeding again. Once she started them again, the bleeding stopped. Do you take D3 supplements? Just a thought ...

Lisa
 
Traumanurse

Traumanurse

Location
Colorado
Well welcome anyway ang. I've had 2 resections, so I feel your pain. Makes you wonder how much they can take and still be ok. Maybe you will find the right med after the surgery so you won't need any more. I've just started Humira, so have my fingers crossed hoping I will hit remission. Hoping you do also after what you've been through.

Good Luck!
 
Ang71

Ang71

Thanks traumanurse, I've been on a couple crohn's meds when I was first diagnosed but I got pancreatitis so had to stop taking them.. I was on methotrexate but didn't work, biologics they are going to try me on after my surgery not sure if I will wake up with a bag they said its a 50/50 chance..
 
Ang71

Ang71

My surgery is finally booked for next week 31st July.
They think I have a small fistula as well something showed up on the MRI.
Specialist said I've got 2 meters of small bowel left which is good. So hopefully won't be having a bag!
Just deciding on what pain relief to go with this time had the morphine pump the last two times and was thinking about trying either the plane(tap) block or a epidural this time round!
Gave up smoking Monday as my specialist thinks this in one of the reason my crohns keeps flaring up.
Would like to hear any thoughts on pain relief!
 
DJW

DJW

Forum Monitor
I've had 2 epidurals which worked great but the itching just about drove me up the wall. I usually get the pump. Not sure what I'd go for next time.
 
DJW

DJW

Forum Monitor
The itching was all over. My stomach and legs were numb. When i woke in recovery i had NO pain. They monitored me closely and decreased the amount of medication as much as possible. I was up and walking the next day with the epidural still in. When it came out they put me on oral meds.
 
Ang71

Ang71

DJW said:
The itching was all over. My stomach and legs were numb. When i woke in recovery i had NO pain. They monitored me closely and decreased the amount of medication as much as possible. I was up and walking the next day with the epidural still in. When it came out they put me on oral meds.
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Thanks DJW think I will be trying the epidural this time if I start itching i will know why :)
 
Jimena

Jimena

I have surgery at the same day as you! Hope everything goes well! Mine is stoma surgery, and going to have IV pump this time, last time had epidural and it did the kpb great and i didn't have pain exept the wind pain what was awful.

Good luck!
 
Ang71

Ang71

Jimena said:
I have surgery at the same day as you! Hope everything goes well! Mine is stoma surgery, and going to have IV pump this time, last time had epidural and it did the kpb great and i didn't have pain exept the wind pain what was awful.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
Good luck jimena, Did u have the morphine pump as well?
 
Jimena

Jimena

Last time i had just epidural for three days and then oral meds. Work great for me, this time i am going to have pump i think.
 
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