Thinking of surgery

[meganmila]

So I have the option of surgery and have a couple of questions if I do it. The bad stuff is in the small bowl area so they would cut it out and put it back together, so would I be able to digest pills specifically birth control pills? Like everything would be normal as it was before? Also I don't have anymore refills anymore and couldn't go to the doctor cause I'm in the hospital. What if get my period during the surgery or when I recover? I would imagine that wouldn't be fun. I just would like to have a normal life and be able to meet someone. And hopefully the scar isn't too big. I just want to know woman's experience with surgery and if it improved your sex life or/and just life in general. Thanks!

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Hi I'm sorry, but I don't know anything about having surgery. But, one of our girls afidz just had surgery herself. I am hoping that she might see this and have some answers for you. I hope that if you do decide to have surgery that things will go smoothly for you. Take care. :hug:

 

[afidz]

I did not have a resection so I am not sure how that all works, I had a different kind of surgery on my abdomen. Jennifer might have some answers for that. As far as your period goes. It comes when its not wanted. its the way the universe works lol. I have had mine right after surgery once and it really wasn't that bad. If you are in too much pain to move the nurses can help you. You might come out of surgery with a catheter anyway so they will already be in the area if ya know what I mean. I hope you get some answers soon and you start to feel better

 

[Jennifer]

Hi meganmila, sorry to hear about the surgery but hopefully it will be a success. Mine put me in remission and it been 14 years since then. Don't know about it improving my sex life but it did improve my life in general.

As for the birth control pills, you're in a hospital, they have a pharmacy. You should be able to request to have your prescription filled. Sure you wont be having sex while you're there but it will mess up your cycle and that's never fun. So ask about that when you can.

I was on the pill before and after surgery. I had 8 inches of my terminal ileum and cecum removed. I still do fine on the pill. Talk to your GI about this issue as it most likely depends on how much is actually removed. If you had multiple feet removed then its possible you may need to switch to another method of birth control but I'd really want a doctor's opinion on that. I'm going to tag Judith to see if she may know anything about that issue in particular.

What if you have your period before surgery? That wont matter. What if during recovery, still wont really matter. I'd use pads instead of having to change out tampons. The hospital will have some you can use just ask your nurse if you can have some pads or what you can do if it does start before or after surgery. If they have to change the sheets, so what, that's what they do.

You wont know how big the scar will be until after. Mine is a little over 4 inches across (horizontal right below my belly button, some have vertical scars, you could ask about the type of cut they are planning on doing so you'll have a general idea).

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[meganmila]

Well, it depends on what an x ray says tomorrow then surgery or not on friday. That seems like such a rush without me thinking and talking to them. Of course I'm freaking out since I always do, i dunno how to calm. And still worried about me not digesting pills correctly, then I Have to go to mirena or something ugh. I'm confused and dont' know, that's what im worried about haha. also my veins failing. if yall have any more info ill be happy to get it

also, do you have to have a bag or not?

 

[afidz]

Do you have a regular IV?
Not everyone that has a resection needs a bag, its a case by case situation. Let us know tomorrow how it all goes.

 

[meganmila]

my veins are tiny and are to find but yeah i do.

 

[Jennifer]

Has your doctor discussed the possibility of a PICC line? Or maybe you could bring it up as a possibility?

 

[meganmila]

Is that in your shoulder or? They do find veins but it's hard. Sometimes people find it the first time some don't. I just had another iv in me last night cause the first one puffed up. That was sunday when I had it in.

 

[afidz]

Typically an IV will last a few days. Every hospital has different policies on how long they can stay in before they switch to a different vein. You got 2-3 days out of it so really thats not bad. There are some nurses that are excellent at starting IV's. Typically these nurses work in ICU, the ER, and the neonatal unit as they get some of the hardest people to start them on so they get the practice it takes to become skilled at it. Some things you can do to help your nurses: stay hydrated, drink plenty of water. When your deydrated your veins shrink. Pump your fists to encourage blood flow in your arms. Do this while you are waiting for them to set up or come into your room. You can also hang both of your arms off the bed, this brings the blood down to your arms.
Now, as far as a PICC line, it is a procedure done by the radiology department. They have the technology and the ability to do it in your room these days, but you can also go down to the radiology department if needed. They will ultrasound your arm to locate the peripheral vein. Once they find it they numb your arm and insert a tube. This tube runs up your arm (through the vein) and stops right around your collar bone. because of the close proximity to your throat, sometimes you can taste meds going through. This method is wonderful. you don't have to worry about getting stuck again and it can stay for a long period of time.
Another option is called a port-o-cath or just "port".
" is a small medical appliance that is installed beneath the skin. A catheter connects the port to a vein. "
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_(medical)
a port is done in surgery. It can stay in for years at a time as long as there is no infection or other complications. This is a great method for people that get infusion treatments like Remicade or Chemotherapy. It is easy to access and doesn't need to be maintained outside of the hospital
Hope this helps!

 

[meganmila]

So, I'm home right now. Didn't do the surgery. And now I'm on predoisone beh. Oh weell, at least it's not forever.

 

[GutlessWonder86]

how are you feeling now Meg? is your GI thinking of other options like Remicade, Entocort (that's a pill), humira, etc.

take care. Gutless Wonderwoman

 

[meganmila]

I have been doing Remicade since 2009 and I guess that quit working...I'm thinking about Humira but I don't like giving myself shots..I rather be in a professional setting. I didn't mind doing remicade but it's not really working anymore.

 

[GutlessWonder86]

I gave myself the humira shots after the home RN came to my home to show me how to use it. The drug company has an RN who calls you several times during the month to make sure you don't have any side effects, questions, etc.

I won't lie, it hurt like heck. I made sure hubby was at work when I gave it to myself in the thigh because I screamed at the top of my lungs.

I hope there are more options for you.

 

[Jennifer]

The thigh hurt a lot for me too but for some people they say it hurts less there for them than the stomach. I did all my shots in the stomach cause it hurt less there for me. If you aren't comfortable giving it to yourself then you can have a nurse do it for you in office.

 

[Judith]

So I have the option of surgery and have a couple of questions if I do it. The bad stuff is in the small bowl area so they would cut it out and put it back together, so would I be able to digest pills specifically birth control pills?

And still worried about me not digesting pills correctly, then I Have to go to mirena or something ugh.

Hi Meganmila,
So sorry it took so long for me to respond to your post. I hope you are doing well on your prednisone therapy.

In response to your bowel resection and birth control pills question, it really depends on how much bowel you have removed. There are a couple of options for you depending on how much bowel you have removed and the type of birth control pill you are on (and dosage of the pill).

Options:
- Your doctor may simply switch you to a higher dose pill or different formulation of the pill.
- You could switch to another method of birth control such as:
---- Contraceptive Patch: http://www.orthoevra.com
---- Contraceptive Ring: http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/index.asp
---- Diaphragm: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/diaphragm-4244.htm
---- Depo-Provera Shot http://www.plannedparenthood.org/he...trol/birth-control-shot-depo-provera-4242.htm
---- Implant http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-implant-implanon-4243.htm

or as you suggested earlier, an IUD like
Mirena: http://www.mirena-us.com/index.php?WT.mc_id=MIS122495&WT.srch=1

On a personal note, I had an IUD and was quite happy with it. There are risks associated with any type of birth control (including the Pill and IUD), so I would consult all of your physicians before choosing a new method.

I had the copper IUD (Paragard) because I cannot do hormones so did not wish to try the hormone containing version (Mirena has hormones in the device).

The IUD was nice because you can *almost* forget about it rather than having to remember to take a pill every day, get your refills, etc..... Like I said, there are risks, including sterility / scarring, infection, perforation of the uterus / IUD travel, IUD expulsion, ectopic pregnancy, etc. (again, there are risks with any method and you have to find the one that works best for your situation).

If you do choose to go the IUD route, I would advise taking a Percocet or other type of pain killer before your appointment (have someone drive you). The insertion itself is quite painful but literally only lasts for a split second. They say most women are crampy afterwards as well so the Percocet can help (I did not have cramping but I believe most women do).


If you do choose to move forward with the surgery you will likely need to use a second method of birth control for that month anyway. Antibiotics can decrease the efficacy of the Pill and you will be given antibiotics for your surgery. I have some friends that were not aware of the Antibiotic - Pill interaction and now have a new family member.

Also, diarrhea, especially when severe, can decrease the absorption of the oral contraceptive pill. You should use a backup method in this situation as well.

I wish you all the best with whatever your decision (for surgery and contraceptive methods).

I hope you are feeling better soon,
Judy

 

[meganmila]

Well said 13 inches of small intestine . I know foot so I'm guessing doesn't mean multiple(forgive me I'm tired) I'm wondering if I can still take the pill hmm

 

[meganmila]

Well, like I said before( I'm not doped up now) he took out about 14 inches. So yeah, not really multiple feet, I'm just wondering in y'all's opinion would that be fine with still taking the pill. Thanks!

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Hope you're feeling at least a bit better now! As far as the pill goes. I would check with your doctor before taking anything pill wise. They might have better ideas than we would. Thanks for keeping us updated. Take care

 

[Jaano711]

I did take the pill after my first couple of resections. I lost a fair bit of small and large in both. I think I would definitely talk to your GP as an implant or depoprprovera shot may be a better option. Then there are always condoms which will also protect you from other nasties.

After I'd had both lots of children I chose to have the implant. It hurt a bit to be done, but having a 2 year period of protection was well worth it. My doctor would just send out a reminder when it was due to be replaced.