My first surgery, advice welcome

[Inallthatyouare]

hello all. I've been diagnosed with Crohns only 4 months ago. I have felt my life been thrown for a loop as I had no previous symptoms or family history of any bowel diseases until I had a full obstruction in April leading to my diagnosis. These last 4 months I've bee to the ER 7 times with varying inflammation. I am on Remicande (3 doses) and Imuran but I am writing this thread from hospital awaiting surgery for that stubborn part of my bowel. My inflamed area in the section of small intestine that connects to my large intestine.
I'm having troubles relating to people with similar experience at a similar age ( I'm 32) and become increasingly frustrated and depressed at the amount of lifestyle changes facing me all of a sudden. I don't know what to expect from this surgery or how to make things better. Between my family and I we are trying new diets but I've never had problems with any specific foods except pizza and beer. Other then that I can't explain what is causing the inflammation. Does anyone have a similar experience in diagnosis and has anyone had surgery for a similar area of bowel? Looking for hope I this incurable disease. God Bless!

 

[Caitlin84]

Hey there,
I am 30, and though I've been diagnosed since I was 17, this is by far the sickest I have ever been, so I can relate to having your life thrown for a loop. I can't wait, my husband has practically been a single parent, its very frustrating. As for the inflammation--you may not have really obvious food triggers. I have a few, with immediate consequences, but for the most part my diet has not seemed to play a huge role in my disease. Stress however most definitely affects my disease. You may be able to identify food triggers better when your Crohn's is more under control after surgery. Resection is a pretty common surgery for Crohn's patients, I know many ppl here have had them. I am meeting a surgeon on Weds to hopefully schedule one myself. It will be my first.
Give yourself time to heal--not all of the lifestyle changes will be permanent. And when you are feeling better the other ones will be easier to handle. Hang in there, it does get better.

 

[DJW]

Hi and welcome.

That was my first surgery also.
I know quite a few people doing very well on Remicad.
It takes time to adjust; both physically and psychologically. Be kind to yourself.

While there is no cure, deep stable remission (clears biopsies and blood work) is realistic. I personally had 20 wonderful years.

I also recommend finding a book on Crohn's from the library written by a gastroenterologist.

Sending you my support.