- Location
- Webster, NY
I joined these forums after my gastro referred me to a surgeon following a CT enterography. As she said, once you have scar tissue, the only thing you can do is remove it. So, I had my laparoscopic ileocectomy exactly one week ago. I have had Crohn's since I was a teenager, but was not diagnosed until my 20's when I finally took myself to the doctor. My mother had it (recently passed away after complications following third surgery, but she was also 79 years old and in poor overall health), but oddly enough, she never took me to the doctor even though I had the same symptoms. Without going into the details, let's just say that for one reason or another, I was not on the medications I should have been taking for many years, and over that time scar tissue built up in my ileum. Considering I am 50 years old, I think I have been pretty lucky to go so long without surgery. I had a lot of pain, and my bouts with partial blockages were becoming more frequent, so I finally went to the doctor.
It is a good thing that I didn't put off the surgery. The badly scarred and strictured area was thought to be about 8cm, but was actually 20cm. That area was so damaged, they tell me that the outside of the intestines were like tissue paper. I could have "blown" with a punch to my stomach, it was so damaged. I was hoping I would have all of the diseased section removed, so at least it would be like starting over, but the surgeon said my intestines at the point of resection already have ileitis. He didn't want to take any more because he didn't want me living with chronic diarrhea (which was never one of my symptoms) for the rest of my life. So, that part is disappointing--I still have it in there The great thing is that, although he did have to make my incision a bit longer since things were more complicated than expected, he was still able to do laparoscopic single-incision surgery, and I did not need a stoma.
The surgery ended up taking longer than he thought it would take--3-3.5 hours. Let's just say that I don't remember much from the first day. I do remember, however, being very drugged up, yet wanted more pain med. I could not even open my eyes, but I was still in a substantial amount of pain. I vaguely recall informing the nurse that I have had a 9lb, 10lb, and 11lb baby without any drugs, just to make sure they knew that I wasn't being a wimp. I was told a few days later that I spent the majority of that first evening mumbling f-bombs under my breath. I am just being honest, because if you are reading this, I am sure that is what you prefer. Later the following day they took out my catheter, so I had to make my first trip to the bathroom. I was sorry to see the catheter go, especially since all the IV fluids make you have to void more often. That second day was quite bad, too. I really didn't feel like my pain was under control, even though I was getting Dilaudid through the IV, and oxycodone orally. At some point on Thursday I had a short but intense bout of vomiting (ouch), so all fluids were discontinued. I could not even have ice chips, since they were not sure at that point if something was blocked, and placement of an NG tube was discussed as a possibility if things didn't seem to be resolving. I made myself walk as much as possible, no matter how uncomfortable I was, and they were right--it did make me feel better. So, walk as much as you can! Thursday was so tough since my mouth was so dry--especially when making laps around the floor. I just was able to moisten my tongue and lips with that sponge-on-a-stick. Friday morning I was back on clear liquids, and I passed gas--whoopeee--I was "connected"!! By the afternoon they put me on a regular diet, but I really didn't feel like eating. I had a little chowder at dinner, and it came back up 14 hours later (I was supposed to go home that morning, too). That REALLY made me nervous, along with the fact that my bowel sounds died down. That morning, I told them I did not want any more pain meds, as I was pretty convinced I got sick because they gave me percocet on a virtually empty stomach. Turns out I was right. Four hours later I was in a shower chair enjoying my first hair wash and feeling amazing. At lunch time I had an appetite for the first time. I had veal parm and some corn (!!). After having an amazing day of visits, walks, passing gas again and keeping lunch and dinner down, I asked if I could go home. I had my first BM while they were consulting with the doctor. Do not be afraid of that--it was no big deal!! I was released Saturday evening and home by 9pm. By 9:01pm I was sitting in a power recliner with my coziest jammies on, feeling like I was floating on a cloud.
Since then I have had maybe 3 oxycodone total to manage intermittent pain, and feel more like myself every day (it is Tuesday morning). Honestly, I expected more bloating. I am swollen but really not uncomfortably so. I also find that I do feel better if I walk around more--I cannot stress that enough. I just wish it was warmer outdoors--my kitchen, living and dining room are getting pretty boring!
Anyway, I wanted to post for anyone who is having upcoming surgery. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
It is a good thing that I didn't put off the surgery. The badly scarred and strictured area was thought to be about 8cm, but was actually 20cm. That area was so damaged, they tell me that the outside of the intestines were like tissue paper. I could have "blown" with a punch to my stomach, it was so damaged. I was hoping I would have all of the diseased section removed, so at least it would be like starting over, but the surgeon said my intestines at the point of resection already have ileitis. He didn't want to take any more because he didn't want me living with chronic diarrhea (which was never one of my symptoms) for the rest of my life. So, that part is disappointing--I still have it in there The great thing is that, although he did have to make my incision a bit longer since things were more complicated than expected, he was still able to do laparoscopic single-incision surgery, and I did not need a stoma.
The surgery ended up taking longer than he thought it would take--3-3.5 hours. Let's just say that I don't remember much from the first day. I do remember, however, being very drugged up, yet wanted more pain med. I could not even open my eyes, but I was still in a substantial amount of pain. I vaguely recall informing the nurse that I have had a 9lb, 10lb, and 11lb baby without any drugs, just to make sure they knew that I wasn't being a wimp. I was told a few days later that I spent the majority of that first evening mumbling f-bombs under my breath. I am just being honest, because if you are reading this, I am sure that is what you prefer. Later the following day they took out my catheter, so I had to make my first trip to the bathroom. I was sorry to see the catheter go, especially since all the IV fluids make you have to void more often. That second day was quite bad, too. I really didn't feel like my pain was under control, even though I was getting Dilaudid through the IV, and oxycodone orally. At some point on Thursday I had a short but intense bout of vomiting (ouch), so all fluids were discontinued. I could not even have ice chips, since they were not sure at that point if something was blocked, and placement of an NG tube was discussed as a possibility if things didn't seem to be resolving. I made myself walk as much as possible, no matter how uncomfortable I was, and they were right--it did make me feel better. So, walk as much as you can! Thursday was so tough since my mouth was so dry--especially when making laps around the floor. I just was able to moisten my tongue and lips with that sponge-on-a-stick. Friday morning I was back on clear liquids, and I passed gas--whoopeee--I was "connected"!! By the afternoon they put me on a regular diet, but I really didn't feel like eating. I had a little chowder at dinner, and it came back up 14 hours later (I was supposed to go home that morning, too). That REALLY made me nervous, along with the fact that my bowel sounds died down. That morning, I told them I did not want any more pain meds, as I was pretty convinced I got sick because they gave me percocet on a virtually empty stomach. Turns out I was right. Four hours later I was in a shower chair enjoying my first hair wash and feeling amazing. At lunch time I had an appetite for the first time. I had veal parm and some corn (!!). After having an amazing day of visits, walks, passing gas again and keeping lunch and dinner down, I asked if I could go home. I had my first BM while they were consulting with the doctor. Do not be afraid of that--it was no big deal!! I was released Saturday evening and home by 9pm. By 9:01pm I was sitting in a power recliner with my coziest jammies on, feeling like I was floating on a cloud.
Since then I have had maybe 3 oxycodone total to manage intermittent pain, and feel more like myself every day (it is Tuesday morning). Honestly, I expected more bloating. I am swollen but really not uncomfortably so. I also find that I do feel better if I walk around more--I cannot stress that enough. I just wish it was warmer outdoors--my kitchen, living and dining room are getting pretty boring!
Anyway, I wanted to post for anyone who is having upcoming surgery. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!