First Strictureplasty

[GothamGirl]

Hi...I am new to this forum. I have been living with Crohn's for the last 12+ years. Was diagnosed when I was 21 years old. I have been on almost every medication possible and was told yesterday that I have to have my colon stretched and possible strictureplasty.
Has anyone had this done? Is it painful? What is the recovery time?

I am a little anxious, any info would helpful

 

[Nancy Lee]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

I myself have not heard of this procedure
but perhaps someone here has.

Take a look through the forums and see if you
can come up with something.

Sending healing hugs your way~Nancy

 

[oldcrohn]

Hi GG, I have recently been diagnosed with a stricture in my terminal ileum and I've been researching strictureplasty. It seems to be better than a dissection in that it saves the bowel. I'm going to my surgeon tomorrow to get more information. I don't know who is a candidate for strictureplasty but I will post more info tomorrow.

 

[GothamGirl]

Hi oldcrohn. Also from long island. Sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well. I had my strictureplasty almost 2 months ago. Been feeling great since. Still have symptoms from crohns disease active in another area though. I experienced little pain and slight discomfort while having bowel movements. It all subsided after a week or so. Doctor suggested I take a week off from work to recover as my stricture was big. Procedure was done as outpatient at hospital.
I agree it is a much better option than a dissection.

 

[oldcrohn]

Ah, so it is who should be asking you questions!! If you have time, I'd love to hear more. What hospital did your surgery? Where was your stricture? Is it done laporascopically or do they have to cut you? You did it as an outpatient?? You went home right after?? My stricture is tiny...My stricture is also fibrous, meaning hard, so I'm hoping that doesn't mean I can't get the strictureplasty?? How long did you wait to have it done? I'm afraid I'll have an obstruction while I'm waiting...please tell me what ever you can and are there any specific questions I should ask the surgeon tomorrow? thanks so much, joann

 

[oldcrohn]

PS I'm from Medford...where are you from?

 

[GothamGirl]

Im in Bethpage