Scar Tissue

[Carlee]

Yesterday I was told I had a lot of scar tissue in my transverse colon, and more than likely I would have to have surgery. What type and to what extent I don't know. Isnt there anyway to reduce scar tissue without surgery?I have a new DR. and he is the first to get all the way through. Had gallbladder removed in Mar. no other surgery.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Unfortunately there is no way to eliminate scar tissue besides surgery. Inflammation can respond to medication and diet but scarring is a different story. People can live with scar tissue unless it's really creating lots of pain, partial or full blockages. Id encourage you to get a second opinion to see if you can get by without surgery.

If you definitely need surgery they may do a strictureplasty or resection depending on your condition. Most of the time they can do these laparoscopically and without the need for a bag.

 

[Carlee]

Thanks this is my second Dr. First Dr. wanted to put me on methotrexate for a fistula.I decided to go see another dr for that.The fistula is connecting my small and large intestines. First dr. never said scar tissue always inflammation. He also never got through like this dr. did. Now with this new dr. I have crohns, colitis, diverticulosis, lots of scar tissue and a fistula. Oh and multiple polyps that he removed yesterday.I went from having mild crohns to all of this in less than a yr. wtheck??? Scared and confused.

 

[Carlee]

I've never even been on medication like most of the people I read about here do. several yrs ago I was on asacol and 6mp and have had a couple of occasions of pred but that's it. Also I've read that if my fistula isn't causing any problems don't bother it.??? was put back on 6mp last Jan but liver # kept goin up. Vit d that's all.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

In your case it may be wise to get a 3rd surgeons or GI's opinion too. If one says it's mainly inflammation and the other says scar tissue you are getting conflicting info. If it's inflammation you can avoid or postpone surgery if the medication works for you. You are also correct that a fistula connecting bowel to bowel that isn't causing any problems should be left alone. Every surgery can cause complications and it should always be the last resort.

 

[Carlee]

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Carlee]

Does burnt out colitis mean I don't have it anymore.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Never heard that term but googled it and found this:

"Ulcerative colitis may mysteriously resolve ("burn out") after a long history of symptoms."

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/mobileart.asp?articlekey=7363&page=2

I don't know if that means it never comes back or it's spontaneous remission.

 

[Carlee]

He did mention something about if a surgeon will do this, I had just woke up from my colonoscopy. I have to go back for my follow-up. He will let me know more than.So your saying its in a bad place? I don't have pain everyday. Just episodes. This is what my report says. Stricture in the traverse colon. Congested mucosa in the transverse colon.A benign-appearing, intrinsic severe stenosis measuring 4 cm (in Length)was found in the transverse colon and was traversed.And I don't understand any of this!

 

[Carlee]

Hes the first dr. that got all the way through.I know its in a bad place.I also have a fistula in the same area but outside connecting my large and small intestine.

 

[Kev]

I am ASSuming that, because it is the transverse colon, which (and I could be wrong about this) crosses the abdomen, and therefore doesn't have gravity, just muscle contractions, to move matter along... that makes him want to reduce, or remove, some or all of the scar tissue. Keep in mind that I have no medical training, no in-depth knowledge to base this on... As for where it is located, location shouldn't be the issue. It is usually extent. In my case, I have it spread throughout my colon. Cutting out the scar tissue here, there, and everywhere leaves just a big jigsaw puzzle for someone to put back together. Not the kind of nice, neat, cut out the middle and join the two ends back together surgery they like to do. Here's the thing about pain... at least in my experience. I get to the point where I hardly give it a 2nd thought... then I will sometimes reach a point where I would just like it to stop... for a while. To go away, take a vacation. I've been dealing with it for years now, and sometimes it just wears me down.