Surgery seems to be the next step :(

[Maureen2013]

Hi all,

This is my first post, although I have been reading the forum for a long time. I really appreciate all of you - I have learned so much!

I was diagnosed with Crohns about 18 months ago. I have strictures in my terminal illium. Two of them, about 10 cms in total.

I have tired Imuran and Humira without much luck. I can't seem to get the inflammation down without prednisone. I've had 3 partial bowel blockage and been hospitalized as many times. My GI and my second opinion GI think surgery is next. I am just scared to finally say OK, let's do this. I have a c-section once, so I kinda know what I am in for, but I most scared about how my bowels will be after surgery. As dysfuntional as they are, I know what to expect. My family does. I wonder how I will feel AFTER surgery. Will the pain go away? Some nights I have to take a pain pill just to get some rest.

I don't have a crystal ball, but I have you all. Please, if you have insight, let me know how it was after surgery. Did you feel like you rushed into surgery? I am concerned I will regret doing it -- like I didn't do enough before to avoid surgery? Did I try enough meds? Alter my diet more? etc, etc.

Many thanks!

 

[shamrock15]

I welcomed my surgery. I had a good medical team (GI and surgeon) and faith in both of them, and I welcomed the opportunity to get better. My best case scenario is still running - almost 7 years since the last surgery, and in combination with remicade and imuran, I have been almost pain free for most of it. The last two years have been either remission or near remission, and have been living pretty much a normal life. If you have had three partials and the hospitalizations, I don't think you are rushing it at this point. Based on my experience (obviously everyone is different) I would say go for it.

 

[Ihurt]

So sorry you are going through all this. I am guessing the strictures will not go away with meds. But I have heard of people who have stricutres doing a procedure called stricturoplasty( I probably spelled that wrong ). It is where the stretch the stricutres in order to give your intestines more room inside I am guessing. Have you altered your diet at all? Some do get help with diet. Have you tried all the meds out there?

I mean you have two opinions from 2 different GI docs so that is good. You could always get another opinion just to see. Any type of surgery should never be taken lightly. I also have had a C-section and a ruptured tubal pregnancy that required emergency surgery. I think a resection of the intestines is a bit more complicated since they are actually cutting your intestines. A lot on here have had resections and are doing real well. It all depends on the individual I suppose. I think most doctors keep surgery as a very lst option with crohns disease because crohns has a tendency to always resurface, sometimes in the spot they cut and sometimes in other places. But again, some people do great.

Best of luck in what ever you decide to do. I am sure a lot of others will post that have went through this already and give you some better direction... Big hugs to you!!

 

[2thFairy]

bump

 

[xX_LittleMissValentine_Xx]

Sorry to hear you have been struggling! Have they spoken to you about what sort of surgery they are thinking of? You will find it easier to prepare if you can find out as much as you can about your specific surgery.