I might be switching to Team Crohn's

[vonfunk]

So I had my follow up appointment with my surgeon today.

The incision is fine, however the pathology came back. The first guy said the there was evidence of inflammation due to IBD.

She has now sent it to a pathologist that specialises in GI issues. The initial report while it does not say exactly what it is indicates that I actually have Crohn's. Apparently the inflammation got worse the higher up the the colon they went. With UC the inflammation starts at the bottom and works its way up.

It had to get taken out anyway. But had they caught it earlier I could put off surgery for a few years because I would have qualified for Humira. I'll find out for certain in September when I see my GI.

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Oh no Sorry to hear that Jason. Although it had to come out, it would of been nice if you didn't have to worry about it re-emerging in your small intestine like us Crohnies! How are you feeling about it?

 

[vonfunk]

I'm mixed, at least the way the system is set up in Ontario, there are more treatment options available for Crohn's. The more expensive ones (humira) are available throgh a gov't program if you have crohn's but not if you have UC.

The ostomy may be permanent, but that is something I was considering anyway. I've an appointment with my GP in a couple weeks and an appointment with my GI in September, so we'll see how it plays out.

 

[xJillx]

I am so sorry to read this, Jason. You thought you'd find relief with your ostomy and now this. Ugh. I am so very sorry.

Are you going to pursue Humira anyways to get your current inflammation under control?

 

[AndiGirl]

Oh what a bummer, Jason. You do know that you will be welcomed to the Crohnie's side though. My grandpa was in your situation because they didn't know whether he had UC or CD. It turned out to be CD.

 

[vonfunk]

well the inflammation was contained entirely in my colon. So no colon, no problem. I'll look into humira if I start flaring.

 

[Misty-Eyed]

That's probably because Humira isn't indicated for use in UC in Canada. Sad, but true!

Hope it all goes well.

 

[Entchen]

No! You are a star for being so logical about this all but I am very disappointed for you.

 

[vonfunk]

Entchen, when I first read that I thought you wrote that you were disappointed *in* me.

 

[Entchen]

Yes, Crohn's is a terrible character flaw. I should know!

Kelly
:lol2:

 

[tiloah]

Yes, Crohn's is a terrible character flaw. I should know!

Kelly
:lol2:

Very, very disappointed in you! :rof:

In all seriousness, I hope even though it's Crohn's that the surgery takes care of it for you and you never have to worry about flaring or taking those crazy meds.

Hope you're healing well.

 

[vonfunk]

I'm doing okay, I may head back to work a week early to avoid taking that unpaid week.

 

[ameslouise]

Hey Jason - Sorry to hear about the re-dx but you're in good company.

Hoping that the removal of the colon keeps you in remission for a long, long time. Colons are over rated anyway!

Don't push yourself on going back to work too soon. If you can swing taking the unpaid week, better safe than sorry.

- Ames

 

[vonfunk]

I've been able to go back for at least a week. And had things worked out as planned yes I'd be able to pull it off. But, my room mate had a job which has since turned out to be a scam.
And she ran out of money just before I went into surgery. So I'm already on a reduced pay cheque from the first unpaid week I took (my company spreads it out over the course of a couple months) and I have been supporting her for about a month and a half. Plus I have a non-refundable trip to Detroit planned for the first weekend of August.

She owes me about $800 for here share of the rent and I have no clue how much for groceries and transit fare. She'll pay me back but not sure when.

 

[tiloah]

Oh my goodness! I'm sorry that happened to you guys. Take it easy on your trip. My incision has been hurting me the last couple days and that was after a pretty short bike ride, and I'm pretty sure your surgery was more major than mine! I hope your roomie gets her situation figured out pretty quick, for your sake and hers.

 

[vonfunk]

we'll see what happens, I'm not too worried. My parents are loainng me some cash for the trip, I'm only gone a couple of days.