Hi everyone,
I've been watching this forum but haven't really posted anything till now - so I'll explain my situation. I've had Crohn's for the last 9yrs but was diagnosed only 3yrs ago. The disease surfaced after I had my appendix removed and they also discovered a benign carcinoid tumor in the biopsy. After many years thinking the pain post op was just adhesions, I went to a different hospital and was diagnosed after having a barium meal. Strangely, I was then referred to a gastric surgeon, not a gastroenterologist, who put me on steroids and azathioprine. During the 2yrs of his care he did not once refer me for a colonoscopy or CT or anything...
About a year ago I moved to Israel (I'm from London originally) and straight away after seeing the family doctor things began to happen quicker. Was referred to a gastro doctor and underwent a colonoscopy and CT. The CT showed about 30-40cm of damage with fistulas and stricturing. I was the placed under the care of a gastro doctor at Ichilov Hospital who suggested I may need surgery as it was the scarring causing my issues, which would not go away with drug treatment. During a trip to London in March I was hospitalised with a suspected obstruction, and then again in April in Tel Aviv with a partial obstruction.
These obstructions have been happening regularly for the last 9yrs and I felt it was probably the right time to get it sorted out, especially on my own terms - not with an emergency operation. I met with a laparoscopic surgeon, he booked a date and here I am 8 days since my surgery!
It took 4.5hrs, they removed 40cm of the small bowel and also separated all of the damage done by the appendectomy - they'd butchered me back then in the emergency procedure. The only complication was a small bit of damage to the bladder, which turned out fine in a contrast X-ray. I have 4 new scars, 3 keyholes, 1 of which is along the appendix line, and a larger scar (3.5") from my belly button down.
Just came out of hospital yesterday and I'm feeling ok! I'm going to consult with my Dr this week but wanted to know if anyone had any particular success post op with any drugs - mesalazine, biologics etc... Previously he's told me that biologics are a serious choice and he's not that happy putting me on them as I'm young, 23.
Anyway, thank you for reading.
Jordan
I've been watching this forum but haven't really posted anything till now - so I'll explain my situation. I've had Crohn's for the last 9yrs but was diagnosed only 3yrs ago. The disease surfaced after I had my appendix removed and they also discovered a benign carcinoid tumor in the biopsy. After many years thinking the pain post op was just adhesions, I went to a different hospital and was diagnosed after having a barium meal. Strangely, I was then referred to a gastric surgeon, not a gastroenterologist, who put me on steroids and azathioprine. During the 2yrs of his care he did not once refer me for a colonoscopy or CT or anything...
About a year ago I moved to Israel (I'm from London originally) and straight away after seeing the family doctor things began to happen quicker. Was referred to a gastro doctor and underwent a colonoscopy and CT. The CT showed about 30-40cm of damage with fistulas and stricturing. I was the placed under the care of a gastro doctor at Ichilov Hospital who suggested I may need surgery as it was the scarring causing my issues, which would not go away with drug treatment. During a trip to London in March I was hospitalised with a suspected obstruction, and then again in April in Tel Aviv with a partial obstruction.
These obstructions have been happening regularly for the last 9yrs and I felt it was probably the right time to get it sorted out, especially on my own terms - not with an emergency operation. I met with a laparoscopic surgeon, he booked a date and here I am 8 days since my surgery!
It took 4.5hrs, they removed 40cm of the small bowel and also separated all of the damage done by the appendectomy - they'd butchered me back then in the emergency procedure. The only complication was a small bit of damage to the bladder, which turned out fine in a contrast X-ray. I have 4 new scars, 3 keyholes, 1 of which is along the appendix line, and a larger scar (3.5") from my belly button down.
Just came out of hospital yesterday and I'm feeling ok! I'm going to consult with my Dr this week but wanted to know if anyone had any particular success post op with any drugs - mesalazine, biologics etc... Previously he's told me that biologics are a serious choice and he's not that happy putting me on them as I'm young, 23.
Anyway, thank you for reading.
Jordan
