Surgery to Correct Stricter from Crohns

[MichaelK]

Hello,

My GI is not necessarily recommending surgery, but feels it’s my best option at this point. Looking for some feedback from those who have had a bowel resection.

Diagnosed with Crohns during my 45 yo colonoscopy that included a stricture that the Doc could not get the camera past to peek in my intestine. Limited symptoms, or I was so use to them it was just part of life. I don't eat fruit or veggies so excess fiber is not an issue. Greasy food has the typical results within the hour of consumption. In past five years since diagnosis I had one weekend of extreme pain where I finally went to the ER, mainly to get a quick CT. Six hours later they told me I complications from Crohns. I have since been taking 3mg of Budesonide to reduce inflemation. It works, but if I skip a day or two I can feel slight pressure.

I don’t want to have that pain again, or have to have emergency surgery at a inopportune time that would further inconvenience my family.

5-7 days in the hospital sound like my own personal hell. While I eliminate the stricture, as you all know, Crohns remains and odds are the stricture comes back in 10 yrs.

For those who have similar situation, had surgery, was it worth it, what were the complications? I will probably get it done orthoscopic/robotic. Im sure you can tell I am thrilled and diss like hospitals.

Appreciate feedback from those with experience.
Thank you

 

[Entchen]

I’m sorry to hear you have a stricture. My concern for you is that if you wind up having a tube down your nose for several days with looming risk of emergency surgery. I can’t speak to the odds of that happening or whether the stricture will continue to get worse for you, though (has your GI made suggestions about the chance of this?). In my case, a planned surgery was worth it because it was necessary: I was having repeated obstructive symptoms (and one significant blockage). Recovery was tough at first but a smooth process overall—but it was quite an involved surgery with additional unexpected repairs and converted to open; a laparoscopic, robotic surgery without additional work will typically be a faster and smoother process.
All the best to you as you make these important decisions!

 

[MichaelK]

Thanks for the reply, Entchen.

While I don't have a lot of blockage symptoms, I have had a few, and the pain was memorable. The stricter has not changed much in the past five years, other than when it flares up and the pressure is great. The Budesonide keeps things calm 90% of the time. If I plan the surgery I won’t be forced to have it done at a hospital I don’t know, whatever surgeon is on call, his or her skill set is unknown, odds are it wont be robotic/laparoscopic. More importantly, a planned surgery will be less inconvenient for my family. Having a MRI done in a few days and then we will go from there.

 

[Entchen]

All of those are solid points!