Hi *dad*
I had a resection in March for the terminal ilium - 8 inches removed - but done as an emergency surgery for a 100% obstruction. I was scheduled for surgery in the Fall but the bowel collapsed on itself. I was also on prednisone at the time, and I highly recommend that your son is not if it can be avoided. It delays healing by a lot and can mask any infections you may have. As I tapered post surgery I had some pretty serious issues. Some still occurring and I have not gone into remission - I am considered a severe case by my docs.
All that said, overall, I do feel better than before and now, four months post surgey, am slowing getting more and more active. I ws able to drive two weeks ago. You son doesn't have to worry about that, and having four kids, I see how they heal much faster then we do . Typical recovery to most activites is 6-8 weeks. I was in hospital 7 days post surgery and pretty much on bed rest for 2 more weeks before stairs etc - had to sleep upright. Docs gave me dilaudid for home use then endocet and that helped. Am off all drugs except for pentasa , occasional tylenol for headaches and joints, and when I flare, I take 1/2 to 1 endocet to calm things down but it is happening evry 1-2 weeks so not too bad (not every day anymore at least!)- My GI and form what I read, you have a better chance for long term remisson by going on a maintenace drug. I may need to re thing the 5ASA and go stronger, but I am a more severe case overall. Some folks go drug free, I have read here on the site - or do after about a year when things are going well, and have gone into years and years of remission.
It was the best thing for me in the end, not just by saving my life but giving back some of my life. My pre surgery episodes for pain and the rest was almost 3 months straight - January was daily, non-stop where I couldn't even handle water without severe pain and all the drugs in the world were not helping, including morphine shots at the ER on two visits. I was only dx'd in Late Dec after being told it was an ulcer for a long time - not an ulcer. I feel for your son and without a doubt, the pain is awful and so young, *hugs*
I haven't been put on B-12 but proabably will - with the prednisone tapering I jsut ended, they are waiting for some effects to go away before testing begins etc etc
Good luck, and best wishes to you and your family
