New to the forum

[idahodave]

new to the forum

Have been diagnosed with crohns for over 30 years now. Looking like surgery is going to be in my near future. Surgeon wants to take 36" of large intestine(colon) from transition of small to large and resecting at the remaining 14-16 inches of large intestine near rectum. Then my regular GI doctor wants to put me on biologics, either Remicaid and/or Mp6. I have been on pentasa for years and done.... ok. I don't exhibit the cramps and bad pain, or weight loss. However i do have a severe stricture and of course diarrhea off and on fairly regularly. Latest colonosopy shows fairly extensive
ulcerations too.
I feel like I have had a fairly good ride compared to so many people with the stories i hear and have poked around on this forum. This is such a big step i am soo not ready for. wondering if there are any of you on a similar pathway, or those who have had the surgeries and biologics added to their regimen who could comment.

 

[muppet]

I'd recommend the 6mp before the Remicade, personally, but I have a bad history with biologicals. If you need both at once, you must have a pretty severe case.

My standard advice about surgery is to get a second opinion. It can only help.

Good luck to you, sorry you're having a bad time right now.

 

[idahodave]

definitely plan a second opinion on surgery. Surgeon had an intersting take though, said pix from colonoscopy would've indicated a definite surgery. Once we met and discussed my case, he said it was definitely something i should think over thoroughly before deciding. GI doctor hasn't been able to scope me completely last three colonoscopies because of the worst stricture and really wants me to do it, we've been collaborating for many years now.

 

[cheerio]

Welcome IdahoDave!!! Hope you get the answers you need to make an informed decision. There are so many things about this disease that are frustrating, including get help for it. Hope to see you around here!
P.S. Boise is 'home' for us, excited to see another Idahoan!

 

[idahodave]

Hi Cheerio, Hope you are doing fine as well. Always good to see a fellow Idahoan too. From Boise originally, still have family there and like going back. Enjoy your time in Germany, I sure did as a kid, and a visit as an adult in '85. Would really like to go back again, I just love the place and the food. You will see me around here more, as time permits.

 

[xJillx]

Hi Dave and welcome. I am sorry to hear you are facing surgery. I agree a second opinion would be insightful. However, it sounds like things don't look too good on the inside, and it may be the best option. If you do end up needing surgery, I hope it provides you with great relief. Good luck!

 

[Lisa]

Hi Dave and welcome...my old GI used to try to push me to having surgery every time I flared...I always resisted....I have a small stricture that doesn't cause problems - my main issues have been the ulcertion and then eventually fistulas.....Went on remicade a few years ago which has pretty much taken care of everything!

Still surgery free too......

 

[scottmyster]

HI dave, and welcome to the forum , looks like you had a good run of remission with disease. I agree with jill if i were you i get a second opinion. but in saying that, if you really need a surgery. Best of Luck. i have had crohn's now for 21 years now and it recently flared up again. and it's taking its toll on me this time. I have to see a GI specialist soon i suspect i have strictures too. so, i am not looking forward to the scope. but, oh well it's all part of this disease. i send you my best wishes. and have a look around and ask questions, people here are great and they will respond they are like family to me now, somewhere to go and say what i want has permissioned
of course. There is a great world of knowledge at the forum soo peek away. best wishes

scott