A new case

[jv683]

Hello everyone. Great board here. I've learned a lot from reading it the last few weeks and figured it was time to introduce myself.

I ended up in the emergency room on Nov. 1 with what the doctors thought was an appendix problem. One CT scan later and they decided it wasn't the appendix at all, but it had the look of Crohn's.

Got a colonoscopy done Dec. 1 and the biopsies came back negative for Crohn's, but my small intestine still had a lot of inflammation around the ileum. Another CT scan 2 weeks ago showed that the inflammation is not getting better, and now the doctors want to take about 6 inches of that sucker out -- some sort of resection using lathroscopic surgery.

This is all a bit much to take in, especially giving the timing. After my first flare up in November, I went on Flagyl and Prednisone and felt better, even went back to eating basically anything. Went off the Prednisone and the symptoms came back.

Now I'm back on the Prednisone, but the tests are showing that there's still a problem down there. I got a second opinion and surgery was still the recommended route, but is it odd that they're wanting to go in there without really knowing what the problem is?

I'm 27 but I've had Crohn's-like symptoms for years. Always blamed it on stress and a weak stomach.

Anyway, seeing how I guess this resection is where I'm heading, does anyone know the typical recovery time? Anyone been through a similar deal?

Thanks for bearing with me.

-Joe

 

[Tacykakes]

I had a surgeon see me when I was in the hospital for about the same exact thing and she had told me surgery is the last option. I think maybe they are rushing you without trying some new approaches to helping you feel better. Before you get cut I could recommend getting a second opinion.

I am so sorry you are going through this and everyone here is really supportive!:goodluck:

 

[crazycanuck]

Its a good thong you got the second opinion and if they both are saying the same thing then maybe thats the route. Especially if pred isnt keeping the inflamation from getting worse. Or in some cases our drugs will heal the inflammation so quickly it can scar causing strictures which may need to be removed as well. Endless possibilities why they are both suggesting it.

Ive never had surgery besides some "stretching" but I believe dustykat on here said her daughter spent just under a week in hospital and 2 weeks at home recovery. Somebody on here though will get you a definate answer. Best of luck and welcome to the forums.

 

[jv683]

Thanks for the insight, guys. Glad this board is around.

 

[Astra]

Hi Joe
and welcome

I think I'd question it too, surgery can be a life saver in emergencies as some of our Crohnies have found, but there are other alternatives to discuss first. for example, the biologics, Remicade, Humira and Cimzia. The immuno suppressants, Azathioprine and Mercaptupurine. Surgery has been mentioned to me too, but only when I've exhausted all other avenues! Humira might be my next step. There's no way they're opening me up unless I'm at death's door.
Surgery isn't the only option, all surgery carries it's own problems such as scar tissue, leave well alone for now! Give the Pred some time to do it's magic, it healed me nicely after 10 months on it, I'm now symptom free, and no pain! And to think this time last year they were gonna cut me open! So it is possible. Good Luck!
lotsa luv & Merry Christmas!
Joan xxx

 

[tried]

Hi Joe,

I had surgery to remove 4 feet of colon 12 years ago and haven't had a problem with my gastric track since...(knock on wood!) But back then, there were fewer ways to treat Crohn's; I had exhausted most of them and after a micro perforation in my colon following a colonoscopy, I was almost at death's door! Many of the drugs Joan mentioned above weren't available or were considered somewhat experiemental. For me surgery was a great (and necessary) decision, the recovery was about a month long but it gave me my life back. Getting as many opinions as you can is a great idea. It's a big decision and you want to be as informed as possible. Best of luck with it.

Tracy