So It Wasn't All A Bad Gallbladder After All

[LodgeLady]

I had my gallbladder out end of January. I have noticed a marked improvement since the surgery. I was originally diagnosed mild Crohn's after a colonoscopy and bloodwork. I thought the surgery would be my answer to all my symptoms. However in this last month my Crohn's like symptoms are coming back . I am having increasing abdominal cramps with gas and pain. At first it only lasted 20 minutes after eating but now it's lasting all day. Constantly have the urge to go but that doesn't always happen. I have gone back to a regular diet except gluten. Only when I back off to a somewhat liquid diet or bland diet do I get relief . My fatigue has returned.

I have been off of all my Crohn's meds for 4 months. Last appt. my dr was leaning towards all my symptoms being GB related. Now I don't think so.

I see my Dr tomorrow. Is there anything I should ask?

 

[theOcean]

I would immediately ask about being put back on medication, and also ask if you should go back on prednisone in the meantime. Even if you were in remission before, it's never really a good idea to go off your medication since remission is never guaranteed to be prolonged.

 

[LodgeLady]

I would immediately ask about being put back on medication, and also ask if you should go back on prednisone in the meantime. Even if you were in remission before, it's never really a good idea to go off your medication since remission is never guaranteed to be prolonged.

Tomorrow I was going to at least ask about going back on Pentasa. Yes the prednisone is a good suggestion. I was on Humira right before I stopped. I was still in so much pain and that was the trigger to look at the gallbladder. I don't know if it was helping or not but my repeat colonoscopy was great so something must have been.

I'm not ready to go back on Humira. But Pentasa and Prednisone I'll ask about tomorrow.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I'm sorry you are feeling lousy again. Pred you may wanna save if you are more inflamed because it could also make your fatigue worse and can have other bad side effects. Pentasa is mild so that might be a good addition. Maybe the doctor can recommend some diet adjustments or a nutritionist since you seem to respond to diet changes.

 

[LodgeLady]

One thing about the Prednisone. While I initially felt great I became dependent. It took me a looooong time to get off.

Yes will bring up the diet!

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Yes pred works fast but it's very hard to taper off of it. It's a double edged sword. Good luck, keep us posted.

 

[theOcean]

Maybe entocort would be an option for you instead of prednisone? It's a little weaker but doesn't have the side-effects prednisone does.

That's unfortunate about the Humira... out of curiousity, can I ask what made you stop? I'm on it, too.

 

[LodgeLady]

I was on Humira for almost 3 months when I caught the flu ( despite having gotten the flu shot). I also have asthma and the flu caused me to have an asthma attack ( and pneumonia ). My bloodwork showed me having a WBC of 3 with all of this sickness. I was started on IV antibiotics, solumedrol, and potassium, along with breathing treatments.

My GI doctor stopped the Humira because of my WBC count. I was too immunosupressed. I had to get my gallbladder out ASAP as soon as I got off the steroids which was 3 weeks later. He did not want me on it due to the surgery as well.

 

[theOcean]

Oh wow, no wonder you went off of it then. You were definitely too immunosuppressed. I'm sorry to hear about that. Maybe just going on an immunosuppressant (like Imuran, 6mp, or Methotrexate) in the future might be a better option for you, instead.

 

[LodgeLady]

Just back from seeing my GI. I'm starting Entocort( actually the generic budesonide). Also he is referring me to U of Maryland Crohns & Colits specialists. Guess I'll be hanging around here awhile.

 

[theOcean]

Oh, good! I'm glad you got entocort. That should be much easier than prednisone. And keep us posted on the referral!