New to crohns...haves some questions

[Reese1603]

Ok i am reading people's posts about surgury for crohn's disease. I was just diagnosed and was wondering...how common is surgury to treat crohns?

The surgury idea is the only thing that has me worried.

If you do have to have surgery....how bad is it...how long does it take to recover, does it involve a hospital stay, etc.?

I go in on tuesday to find out how they want to treat my crohns.....I am afraid to bring up the idea of surgery for fear he might say I'll have to have it eventually.

 

[Creepy Lurker]

I think the official number is that 50% of patients will require surgery within 10 years of diagnosis.

I've just hit 10 years now but have managed to hold surgery off despite my crohns being classed as 'severe'.

 

[BWS1982]

I read some depressing statistic that said something like 2 of 3 Crohns surgeries require a subsequent surgery due to the fact that Crohns is so resilient to surgery. It isn't a cure, since there is no cure, it's a crap shoot at remission, and often doesn't work, since Crohns is in the DNA, and you can't cut that out.

 

[Guest]

hi Reese & welcome to the forum

i would say, be brave and bring up this subject with the doctor when you go on tuesday. it's better to have information on something we're secretly worrying about, than not, in my opinion (particularly as worry/anxiety can have a knock-on effect on our Crohns).

it may well be that your symptoms can be alleviated/controlled by meds, and that there will be no surgery even on the horizon for you - i hope so!

i've had a few surgeries now for Crohns, and survived. i don't think any operation is particularly easy to get over, but a straightforward resection, say, would have you in hospital for around 8-10 days, out of bed and walking within 24-48 hours, and home recovery of approx 8-12 weeks. i was allowed to resume driving after 8 weeks, but not to lift heavy weights for 4 months.

good luck with your appointment & let us know how you get on.

 

[Reese1603]

I'll be sure to ask the doc! thanks!

 

[elp888]

I had resection surgery 6 weeks ago, and i feel great (no pain, healthy appetite). I've had this kind of surgery before and was in remission for 12 years...

Good luck!
e.

 

[AbstractDonut]

If I could do it all over again from the start I would try and see if they could stick on you on an elemental diet for a month, then try an elimination diet to figure out what worsens your symptoms. Talk to a nutritionist.

 

[Aenea01]

This disease may be with you forever, but it won't always be such a pain in your ass (hehe). A few things that were pointed out to me when i was first dx'd -

1. Some days are better than others.

2. Never, and I mean never - skimp on toilet paper.

3. Set aside a bathroom for your own use.

4. (Most Important) I am not a sick person, but I do occasionally get sick.



There are years you won't even notice you have anything worse than stress or food triggered bowel irritation, or however your low level disease manifests. Those times are usually easily dealt with with over the counter stomach remedies if needed, stress management, excercise and diet. It's funny too how fast your brain forgets how much pain your body can put you through.

There will be the years (or months) in between when your immune system frieks out (usually referred to as "flares") and your entire system goes out of whack and you will need to see your doc. Those times suck, and feel free to come and express it or seek company. I know I do My point is, you will be able to live with it, and there are cycles of sick and healthy that we all go through.

Regards