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Partial Ileo Right Colectomy post Remicade


Wed, January 22, 2014 1:27 PM

Hello everyone. I'm writing today because next month, I am having a laparoscopic partial ileo right colectomy with possible repair of ileo vesical fistula. Wow, that's a mouthful! 

I was diagnosed with Crohn's about 11 years ago and have been blessed with not ever having to have a surgery up until this point. To spare the extremely detailed medical resume, let me just say it's been a wild ride from the start. Fistulas plagued me for a few years, and after bouts of antibiotics and being on over 20 pills a day for a long time, I made the decision to start Remicade treatments and that has been my primary course of care. I've been on Remi for over 2 years, and the infusions put me into remission for over a year. As of a few months ago, the medicine isn't working for me any more because of the significant damage done over the years, so surgery is my only option now. 

Long story short, I'm quite nervous. I moved across the country about a year ago, and this surgery will be done by a capable and well-recognized colorectal surgeon in Dallas... The fact that this is mostly routine for him doesn't provide me with enough comfort though, I feel. My case has always been unique, and I fear that with the Remicade especially, my recovery will be difficult due to my poor immunities. I know that all signs point to my quality of life vastly improving by having this done, but I am a worrier by nature and I need some encouragement. This is going to be a resectioning surgery and I will not have an ostomy bag placed unless there are some extreme complications. I have a feeling my recovery time at home will be more difficult than when I'm in the hospital. 

Has anyone experienced a colectomy post-Remicade? 

Any recovery stories/tips are greatly appreciated...

- Cx

FPO csfolcarelli
Joined Dec 13, 2013

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