My turn for surgery!

[Manorexico]

I go in for my first bowel resection on January 4th. It will be an ileocecal resection for me. I dont know how much is being removed as of yet but I know I have a 20 cm stricture in my TI, I dont know about how much large will be taken yet. I am so nervous I could faint honestly. I was hospitalized last week for a partial obstruction, which prompted the scheduling of the surgery though it has been a possibility for 6 months.
I have "coverage" for the first month of recovery. I am normally a stay at home mom, of a 5 year old and a 2 year old...obviously I wont be able to care for them. So I have family coming in from New york (I live in virginia). I know I will be well taken care of and so will my kids. But I am terrified of death and leaving my kids; though I know with out the surgery it would more than likely happen if I didnt. I didnt have a preop appointment because the surgeon saw me in the hospital. I know the surgeon very well as he has done surgery on a friend with CD. However, all he said was "you need this surgery this is the date drink this 24 hours before surgery.". I have no idea what to expect except that he will do it properly. Can someone give me a crash course on how many IVs, will I be in ICU, NG tube?, open vs lap, any details at all on your surgery will be great.

 

[Hope345]

Just a note to say I am thinking of you. We have not had to deal with surgery but many others on this site have and will get to you soon. If not, do some research on this site and I am sure you will find so much information.
I know as a mother how hard it would be to leave your kids, I am a stay at home mom too. But this is something you must do, so you can take care of your children. so many people feel so much better after surgery ....
Call the doctors office tomorrow, and they could answer all your questions too. that is what they are there for.
I wish you the very best!!!!!

 

[DustyKat]

They will need to have a clear margin of a couple centimetres on the proximal end (end closet to your stomach) and about 8cm of large bowel. The caecum is a pouch at the start of the large bowel and is about 6.5cm long. It is necessary to remove this so that difference in size between the small and large isn't too great, hence the about 8cm that of large bowel that is removed.

Have a read through this thread as it has many very detailed stories about members surgery experiences...

http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=30212

Good luck! and if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to ask. :hug:

Dusty. xxx

 

[DustyKat]

Addit: Neither of my children had bowel prep prior to surgery, although one did have emergency surgery. It seems to be down to the individual surgeon as to whether they prescribe prep or not.

Dusty. xxx

 

[Grumbletum]

Just wanted to wish you all the best. My story is one of the ones on the thread that Dusty has linked to. It's almost impossible not to be nervous, I know, but keep in your mind that resection is a very common procedure for Crohnies and many of us here, including myself, have seen a massive improvement in symptoms.
It might be an idea to call the doctor's office with a list of questions you've noted down - it's easy to get distracted when you're talking to them. I think I'd want to know if they were planning laporoscopic surgery, even though you will most likely have to sign a consent form for them to do what is necessary once they are in and can see the extent of the issues.
Hoping this op will bring you a healthier and bright 2013.

 

[xX_LittleMissValentine_Xx]

I don't know much about surgery, but wanted to wish you good luck.
I understand how scary it must feel, but try to stay positive and think about how much your life could improve with it. x x x

 

[Manorexico]

Thanks guys
I knew that at least part of the large had to be removed but I wasnt sure how much, so thanks for that information! I went and read the stories, I am thankful for those. Now I am nervous about a horrible roomate!
I called the office and they are closed today so I will try again tomorrow.

 

[Jim (POPS)]

You will do just fine. I found out that I had crohns at age 61 and had 3 operations in the first year. It was not fun but it was good to know that I was ok again. Do yourself a favar and get off the pain meds as soon as you can. I had a hard time getting off them because of all the operations. I will pray for you and your family, you will do just fime.
Pops.

 

[Manorexico]

I had been undiagnosed for quite a few years while they searched for what was wrong with me. They tested me for everything EXCEPT crohns! So because of those slow pokes I have to have surgery..grrr.
I am nervous that once they get in there they will see something that they did not see on my MRIs; I know that it is common for that to happen. Ugh.

 

[Hope345]

I just read a post from a man who had surgery and has been able to eliminate all medications and is remission. It could be like that for you. It is hard not to think the worst, but pray for the best

 

[Manorexico]

I hope that it puts me into remission for a while, that would be a nice change of pace.

 

[Vonnie]

I had a small bowel resection on Dec. 11 so I am still recuperating. I had several strictures; thought I only had one. Pain meds made me nauseated so I stopped them 4 days after surgery. Everyone is different. If you have someone to help you at home, that is very important. Take care of yourself. It is hard not to worry but if you trust your surgeon, it makes all the difference in the world. I am glad I had the surgery although it is too soon to tell if I am in remission. My dr. is talking about putting me on meds so that I don't have this again anytime soon. We'll see. I hope all goes well with you. I will be thinking about you. Good luck!

 

[Susan2]

Just remember that the Crohn's monster likes to be contrary, so don't go in to surgery expecting it to be like anyone else's. Try to get some good sleep beforehand - your body needs all the strength it can muster to heal itself. :hug: