Advice Needed - May Need Surgery

[MCPayne]

Hi everyone.

I'm hoping for some support / advice. First off, sorry if this is in the wrong thread. Admin, please move if you deem necessary.

Anyway, I had a colonoscopy yesterday, which could have gone better. They found some scarring in the colon near the rectum, and as such, couldn't get all the way through the colon, even with a small scope that they normally use for an upper endoscopy. Anyway, my GI wants a Barium Enema, which I'm having done in a couple weeks. Depending on the results of that, I may need surgery.

I'm trying not to think about it, as I know surgery is probably the "worst case scenario" for me. However, I keep going back to thinking about it, even though I haven't had the Barium enema yet. Have any of you had surgery removing part or all of your large intestine, and if so, how did that go? I'm really hoping it doesn't come to that, but I'm also worried about the size of the scar, since they couldn't navigate through it with a small scope.

 

[muppet]

Sounds like it could be a significant blockage. I have never had surgery, but my father did have 10cm removed because of diverticulitis. He was much better off afterward, but the surgery does have challenges. There is LOTS of surgery experience here, just wait a bit and someone will come along.

 

[f_else]

I had surgery and I'll admit it is not a brilliant option, but sometimes it gets to the point where it is the only option. If you do reach that point all I can say is stay hopeful and positive, you will come out of it just fine and the surgery may help you get over this hurdle.
When I had my surgery it took quite a few weeks for me to recover but that was because I had lost so much weight and was so run down. In some situations it is better to get it done sooner rather than later because you will be in better physical condition to deal with the outcome.
I hope that your flare comes under control and you manage to avoid surgery altogether and my best wishes are with you. However, should surgery be your best bet then don't worry too much, many of the members here have had various crohns related surgeries and many enjoy a post-surgery period of remission. My remission was admittedly short, but wonderful none-the-less.
Good luck with your next test

 

[ameslouise]

Hi MC - Try not to get too worked up before you have the additional testing. I know it's hard not to think about "what ifs". Plenty people here have had lots of surgery. It's not the end of the world, but it is a major event, so I'm sure the docs wouldn't be tossing around that idea if it wasn't necessary.

I've had several surgeries myself and my motto is, if it's broke, remove it! I think of surgery as a treatment option, not a last resort, but not everyone shares my point of view. For me, it's always resulted in a much better quality of life.

Hang tight and let us know the results of the next testing!

- Amy

 

[happy2balive]

Hiya,
I am with Amy i have had surgery and you have to look at it postively if it is required, as in the case with many of us the surgery has saved our lives.
I have recent had about 1/3 of my large bowel removed via emergency surgery with more to come out soon just pending surgery date. I had absolutely no warning that surgery was on the cards to control my disease until it was too late.
The recovery is challenging and slow but i feel will be worth it in the long run. Many close friends say i have never looked so healthy. Regards to the scar i can understand your apprehension but again its a means to an end. No one can see it, unless you choose to show them. It is something to be proud of, as i feel it my badge of honour that i survived, and will continue to survive this disease.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

[MCPayne]

Thanks everyone for your support. I'm glad I found this forum! I'll let you know what my doctor has to say about the barium enema test. I'm getting that done in about 2 weeks.

I'm just going to have to talk to my work about the barium enema test first, as I've used up all my days, so for the barium enema test, I'm going to have to take 2 days unpaid medical leave.