Large bowel removed 20 yrs. ago, and now new inflammation in the small bowel

[MrsMarcel]

Hi all. This is my first time here, and I'm hoping someone can give me some info. My husband had his large bowel removed when he was 17, and was living problem (and med) free with a colostomy for the last 20 years. Recently he was admitted into the hospital with inflammation in the small bowel. The steroids were supposed to help, but he's still in alot of pain. Does anyone out there know what can be done? I'm new to this problem, as he's never had any trouble with it in the last 11 years that we've been together. I'm really concerned that it may have to end with losing the small bowel as well. What kind of quality of life do you lead with something like that situation? I would imagine it changes your life alot. I've heard his mother say that all those years ago that when his doctor was intoducing him to people in the area with the same problem, he specifically said he didn't want him to see the people who were living without both the large and small bowel. Is it really that bad? I'm sorry if I sound uneducted in all of this, but I guess I really am. If anyone out there can tell me anything at all, I would be very grateful. I'd like to learn as much as I can about everything to do with crohns, so I can be as supportive as possible for my husband.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

The doctor was likely trying to say that one can live without the colon but that we do need small intestine. That being said the small intestine has many more feet to it than the large intestine. I know it's confusing but that's the case. If small intestine needs to be resected it's ok but we always try to preserve the bowel because it can interfere with vitamin absorption. For example some after resection require things like b12 by injection only.

One can live a fully functional life having resected from both areas. Hopefully your GI will find a good treatment and you won't need to go down the surgical route.

 

[Ihurt]

I don't know anyone personally who is without a small bowel, but I someone whose small bowel does not function. She was on TPN ( fed through a vein) permanently for nutrition. I would try not to even think about that right now. Like Noguts said, there is way more feet of small bowel than there is large bowel. Also, there are WAY more meds out there than there was 20 years ago that may be able to help your husband. Hope he feels better soon.