Better quality of life after surgery?

[SignorSteve]

Hi,

Im just wondering if anyone can share their thoughts on this.
After having surgery has life changed for the better?

The reason I ask is that Im contemplating it. If having surgery means I will be able to eat more of the food I love, have the ability to socialise (to a certain degree) without worrying, and take less meds, then why not?

I simply dont want to go through life thinking what could have been.

Your thoughts are always appreciated.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Jennjenn]

I would say if surgery was suggested for you then you are probably at the point where it can give you more quality of life. My first surgery was necessary. I had such narrowing that it needed to come out. Everyone is different. You might not have to take as many meds that you may be on currently, but it is recommended that you should be on some sort of maintenance meds to prevent the reoccurance of active crohns in the area where you had the surgery.

 

[Mark63]

Hi Steve,

Difficult question. Surgery should not have been suggested without a risk/benefit analysis having been conducted first. So they obviously believe that this is the right thing to do from their point of view. I don't know what they have planned for you, but if you have doubts then you should talk through the Surgeon. At the end of the day it's your call.

I wish you well.

Mark

 

[CDDad]

I would say the right surgery can do wonders. My first surgery was terrible for me. Half my colon was removed, but Crohn's was still rampant in the other half.

Now, when I had my Proctocolectomy 2 years later, it made me a new man. Everything remvoved, Crohn's now nowhere to be seen. For now, (and hopfully forever), I'm basically healthy for the first time in over 20 years.

 

[ameslouise]

10 days away from the operating table and I can't wait! I look forward to an improved quality of life. I look at surgery as a treatment option, not a last resort.

Good luck! - Amy

 

[SignorSteve]

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback folks!

@CDDad - Glad to hear you're feeling healthy again, that's great! How are you finding using a bag and whatnot? Is a pain or is it just one of those things you get on with?

@Amy - I wish you all the best with your surgery, I hope it goes just perfectly! What are you having done if you dont mind me asking?

Cheers
Steve

 

[littlemissh]

Just wanted to wish you good luck with your op amy as you don't appear to have your own thread ...so thought I would be naughty and hijack this one...sorry Signor Steve. ;-))

 

[ameslouise]

Thanks for the well wishes!

Little Miss H - I have a thread in the stoma forum since that's where I'll be soon!

Signor - I already have my colon removed. I have a j pouch, which is severely diseased. I am having that removed and getting a permanent ostomy.

I can't wait! I wish it was tomorrow!

- Amy

 

[acg101]

After I had my Proctocolectomy I am a new person!!! I love l;ife, I can do any sport , eat whatever I wish, no pain, no meds and side effects.

Like CDDAD, I also had everything remvoved and Crohn's is gone!

The support here was so important for my recovery. Also, I spend considerable time selecting my surgery team, hospital etc..

 

[bkbigfish]

Omg! I had small bowel resection on Feb16th, and I feel 98% better! Prior to surgery I had an abcess and part of my small int was melting to my skin. Almost like a fistula, but no canal, just leaking poision into and outside of my body. I was off work as I had pain in my upper back and chest, vomiting and all the good stuff. Since getting 12 inches cut out and a perfect surgery and recovery, I am doing light cardio on treadmill and stationary bike! I race mtn bikes so I was very fit prior to getting sick. This was the best thing I have ever done! I am sure the Dr will put me on maint. meds as we don't want crohns coming back to soon! I am aware it will come back so I am going to live and play hard till then! Good luck! Billy.

 

[CDDad]

Steve - it does take a few months to get used to the bag. For me about 3. During those 3 months I wondered how I was going to deal with this for life, and I had body image issues. But overtime, those issues disappeared for me. Now, it's easy for me. I do everything I did before and more. Sure there is a leak now and then, but overall, it has greatly increased my quality of life.