Hi everyone, I was dx 10 years ago at age of 27 with IBS and Crohn's disease. I was originally put on Flagyl, Entocort and Asacol and weened off Flagyl and Entocort. I was on Asacol for the remainder of the 10 years in remission; only dealing with on and off IBS symptoms. In March this year, I decided to switch to a different GI doc; because I was tired of dealing with chronic loose stools. She put me on Lomotil prn and Entocort and I had 3 fabulous months. I was to return in 6 months to see her. In June I started to feel a little "off" and was having some abdominal pain. Having lived with IBS and CD for 10 years, I kind of blew it off as it would come and go. By August I had lost 15 lbs; and I was not large to begin with. I was still eating; but the appetite was decreased. I was tired; so had labs to check my Iron; and of course my levels were low again. By late August I was becoming frustrated with the fatigue, loose stools and abdominal pain. Looking back, I remember having it in the back of my head that something was going on with the Crohn's and it wasn't just normal IBS stuff (due to the weight loss and increasing pain). I could barely get through the work day, pick up the boys, make supper, homework, baths-- you parents get it 
So, I was emailing with my GI doc after ruling out UTI and pregnancy with my PCP. She told me to start on the Entocort again and increase the Iron.
The pain was getting worse every day. Eventually she ordered an MRI (thankfully before she left the country for a 3 week vaca!). This led to a CT scan the very next day and a phone call from the Radiologist himself. Right after the CT; he told me I had a "complex absess" and he had consulted with a GI colleague of my dr; and was told to get admitted to the hospital that day. It was happening so fast; I am glad my husband was with me. Anyway, I was taken into surgery that day as they couldn't drain the absess due to its complexity; and the GI docs (3?!) came in and told us that there was a section of my small bowel /ileum that was not looking so great and eventually I would need surgery and did I want them to do it that day? Well, of course! If you are in there! So, I was in the hospital 8 days with my blood pressure dropping low but nothing they seemed too concerned about. According to my operative report, I had a complex absess in the intraperitoneal area and a small bowel perforation which resulted in a ileocolectomy. I have to say; after reading some of your stories; my experience doesn't seem so bad.
So, I am almost 1 month out from surgery. I have some questions about the recovery. I realize it varies by person. How long did people have diarrhea? The surgeon told me that would be the norm for a few weeks up to a few months. Luckily it is subsiding somewhat. Because I have the IBS; I wonder how much of it is that. I see the common theme in some of our stories is that the surgeons tell us after 2 weeks to resume a completely "normal" diet. Well, not so much. No one told me to eat very small amounts of food and to eat often. I was put on a nutritional shake twice daily- yum. So, the nausea and vomiting started after I returned home because I was overloading my system. But I was so hungry. In the hospital I had TPN and liquids for the most part. (the pureed chicken noodle soup was oh so yummy). I still struggle with dizziness related to my hypotension. Anyone else have this post surgery? What about dehydration? They said that could be heightening the hypotension. Trying to drink a lot of water. Anyone have pain/ache inside where the resection was done? It comes and goes and seems to worsen when I sneeze or cough (of course I have had a cold since I got home) or move a certain way. The GI doc says it's most likely the colon healing and it will take time. My last question is how long have people taken off work. I am itchin to get back but don't want to overdo it. Thanks in advance and I am excited to be on the forum (my 1st )
So, I was emailing with my GI doc after ruling out UTI and pregnancy with my PCP. She told me to start on the Entocort again and increase the Iron.The pain was getting worse every day. Eventually she ordered an MRI (thankfully before she left the country for a 3 week vaca!). This led to a CT scan the very next day and a phone call from the Radiologist himself. Right after the CT; he told me I had a "complex absess" and he had consulted with a GI colleague of my dr; and was told to get admitted to the hospital that day. It was happening so fast; I am glad my husband was with me. Anyway, I was taken into surgery that day as they couldn't drain the absess due to its complexity; and the GI docs (3?!) came in and told us that there was a section of my small bowel /ileum that was not looking so great and eventually I would need surgery and did I want them to do it that day? Well, of course! If you are in there! So, I was in the hospital 8 days with my blood pressure dropping low but nothing they seemed too concerned about. According to my operative report, I had a complex absess in the intraperitoneal area and a small bowel perforation which resulted in a ileocolectomy. I have to say; after reading some of your stories; my experience doesn't seem so bad.
So, I am almost 1 month out from surgery. I have some questions about the recovery. I realize it varies by person. How long did people have diarrhea? The surgeon told me that would be the norm for a few weeks up to a few months. Luckily it is subsiding somewhat. Because I have the IBS; I wonder how much of it is that. I see the common theme in some of our stories is that the surgeons tell us after 2 weeks to resume a completely "normal" diet. Well, not so much. No one told me to eat very small amounts of food and to eat often. I was put on a nutritional shake twice daily- yum. So, the nausea and vomiting started after I returned home because I was overloading my system. But I was so hungry. In the hospital I had TPN and liquids for the most part. (the pureed chicken noodle soup was oh so yummy). I still struggle with dizziness related to my hypotension. Anyone else have this post surgery? What about dehydration? They said that could be heightening the hypotension. Trying to drink a lot of water. Anyone have pain/ache inside where the resection was done? It comes and goes and seems to worsen when I sneeze or cough (of course I have had a cold since I got home) or move a certain way. The GI doc says it's most likely the colon healing and it will take time. My last question is how long have people taken off work. I am itchin to get back but don't want to overdo it. Thanks in advance and I am excited to be on the forum (my 1st )
