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Been very ill for past month!

Have had Crohn's since 05 diagnosed in 07. Never really been in remission. Always have a general unwell feeling which cycles between diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, joint pain, kidney problems, skin problems, back pain. Been on different mediations most recently Humira which I stopped taking in October because after 4 months didn't notice much of an improvement.

On February 10th I had a seton put in because of a fistula. It is still currently draining and finally started to feel bearable 3 weeks after surgery. The worst part of my whole doctoring expierence is that I'm a Veteran and have to deal with VA. Talk about a nightmare in itself.

I traveled out of state with my husband for his job 2 weeks after my fistula surgery. On March 1st I ended up going to the ER because I was in unbearable pain. Hard to get up and walk, extreme tiredness, and abdominal pain and cramping, night sweats and chills. CT showed severe thickening and inflammation of the ileum. With stranding etc. (Which I already knew this area was affected) it now apparently is showing up in the transverse colon also. They encouraged me to be admitted me but I talked my way out of it because I'm out of state and have 2 small children and didn't want to jeopardize my husbands job. They reluctantly let me go only because I wasn't vomiting or running a high fever. Seen local GI specialist the following Tues and he recommended 40mg prednisone daily for a month with follow-up in 2 weeks. The agonizing pain did subside somewhat a couple days later but still felt very ill. Thought I would give time for the prednisone to do its job. On the 15th of March the pain and symptoms came back even worse than before. Actually the worse flare I experienced. Through the weekend I was barely able to get out of bed in the morning...had severe bladder and back pain, with severe night sweats and waking up cold. I know I should of went back to ER but waited until my follow-up today.

Dr. said that the prednisone should have helped by now...and after hearing of my current issues I've had the past week thinks that it's not working because of the severe thickening and scar tissue build-up. Thinks I very well am suffering from a partial obstruction. I advised him because of my health I am going home this weekend but wanted to keep my apt. with him to hear his recommendations of what should happen next. When I go back I am headed to the VA Hospital ER. He strongly advises I see a general surgeon most likely for preparation for surgery. I've always stayed strong throughout my diagnosis but am starting to feel down about everything at the moment. I'm leaving tomorrow not knowing what to expect when I get home. Is surgery inevitable for me at this point? How long will I be in the hospital? How long will recovery be? I know if I do have surgery it is no permanent fix. How long does it take to feel somewhat better than before surgery? Any advice or information is greatly appreciated. Thanks to all who finished this long post for your time.
 
I've been through most of what you have mentioned, however remicade worked for me and staved off the need for any major surgery so I can't comment as to how long you could be hospitalized (if you do have surgery). I've only recently joined this site and it is heart breaking to read these stories, having been in the same shoes in the past. Please just try and keep up your spirits and think of your little ones who still need you. Keep fighting and one day, possibly sooner than you think, you'll look back on these days and be proud of how hard you fought and the better person you are because of it.
 
Hello and welcome to the forum so sorry you are having a difficult time sending:ghug: your way. When hubby had his first surgery(1990)he was in the hospital for 9 days then when he had his second surgery(06) he was in the hospital for 11 days. I am praying for a speedy recovery so you can be back with your hubby & kids take care and get lots of rest:ghug: Keep us posted on your recovery.
 
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