Life after a resection

[Christiebird]

Hey all

People seem to think that because I've had the op Im cured.

Its crappy having to explain that it doesn't work like that and that Im still not 'perfect'. I always say 'yeah, Im doing really well thank you' but thats not necessarily the case and I do have bad days with the D and the awful contraction cramps that take my breath away. And having the plops at work just sucks because people know because you take so much time away from your desk!oo:

I don't really have any point to my post, just that I feel so frustrated! I think my frustration is also because I think I thought I'd be cured or something after the op and Im not. Don't get me wrong - I have managed to get up to 3 days without any of the dreaded D which is fab but when my friends tell me that they maybe get D once a year I feel so jealous!!!

Boooo to negativity....sorry

 

[imisspopcorn]

I feel your pain Christie!! No cure after my resection (even though I knew it wouldn't cure it I still had hope) I still have unrelenting D!! I guess it's better than having the horrible pain and vomiting. I'm trying probiotics now and Remicade. No changes though:smile: Your not alone.

 

[kenny]

I'm sitting here wishing I could have my surgery tomorrow and dreading it at same time

Tomorrow afternoon I go see the Surgeon for my first official visit to his office since all this started two months ago. I assume he is going to give me a surgery date. I know I need it as I am not moving forward at all the way things are. But looking at the pictures of post surgery battle wounds I am feeling pretty intimidated.

It is the only way I can see to move forward but it also feels like I am having to start all over again. :confused2:

 

[Dawn]

To all of us...HANG IN THERE!

I had my 1st resection on 2002. I was GREAT for almost 5 years before life related stress put me in the throws of flare (sounds like a song). I had my 2nd resection in Dec 08 and am currently in a mild flare.

Christiebird - I have had the rhea every day since 2002. oo: Never a solid!

Shantel - my flare's are always at my resection site too.

I started probiotics yesterday and the SCDiet today. I'm going down swinging! :voodoo:

 

[Mark33180]

I know exactly what you mean and how you feel. I have been in the same boat since my resection in 2002. I have had the big D ever since except for a few days where its somewhat normal. but those days are few and far between. I'm sure i would have been let go from my job long ago if i didn't have my 3" binder of medical facts and documentation in my truck at all times. saved me with management a few times... bust out the colonoscopy pictures where your colon is about the size of a pencil and ulcerated to hell and back and they tend to cut you a little slack. that or pass out and poop on their chairs in an "emgergency" and makes the think twice about not letting you go to the bathroom.

 

[crohnsproof]

This has to be one of the hardest subjects to explain to someone. My best friend thought I'd be totally cured after my last surgery 2 yrs ago. I feel almost guilty because the diarrhea symptoms didn't magically disappear. I also fell into the 'religious' trap...if you had enough faith, you'd be healed. My gosh, what's a girl to do?
Well, I got over it. I have finally managed my diarrhea and I'm getting along pretty well. I have not had any pain or adhesions from my surgery, and I call that healed. In my mind, I'm healed until the chronic pain hits me again.
I've mentioned this before, but the calcium carbonate works very well. I've also given up all sodas (my favorite being Dr. Pepper) I have 3-5 BM daily, but not diarrhea (which is more manageable).
God Bless all Crohn's patients! We are a very strong group!

 

[sassymomma]

I had intermittent attacks -diareah more days than not - for the last 20 years! Ended up with a ruptured colon and wore a colostomy bag for a year. Had the takedown and have daily D still. When they remove a part of the colon, it cuts down on the area you have left to absorb water from out of your stool - so your stool will be more watery depending on what part of the colon or small bowel they take and -how much of it- they take. Thats what I was told anyway. So I understand that surgery does not mean you are cured - often times its just the beginning of "MORE" of something it seems!! Sorry ppl have to be so misunderstanding of things. Thats why it is important to not judge others because you have not walked a mile in their shoes and dont know WHAT's in their shoes either!!!! LoL

 

[Christiebird]

Thanks everyone - this forum is exactly what I needed - you're all wonderful wonderful people........but hey, you've got crohns / UC - how could you be anything else

Thank you!!!!!

 

[tonya_n_ky]

Just wanted to reply on this. I had a resection in 9/02. Since then I have to make sure I am not vitamin deficent. Including B-12. I get a shot every 2 wks because I just can't absorb it anymore. I have trouble absorbing all vitamins. I have trouble with dehydration, and of course diarrhea. It's a constant balancing act. I do recommend talking to your Doctor about Cholestyramine Powder for the diarrhea. It helps a lot with it. The downside is bloating but it helps enough to where you can leave the house and not worry as much about where the nearest toilet is....oo:

 

[crohnsproof]

You sound much like me. I've been using the Cholestryramine Powder, aka Questran, or pill form, Welchol for years. I think I go back to 1982 for Questran. I had read an article that Crohn's patients were using it and I spoke to my doctor about it. He was apprehensive, but gave it to me anyway. That was a life saver for me. Earlier this year I changed back to powder when the pills were causing too much gas. I take one dose of powder mixed with orange juice at night, that helps reduce the night acids. I also take 2 - 3 Calcium Carbonate tablets during the day. I have had much success with this formula. Plus, I need the Calcium for my bones.