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Considering surgery for cd

Sun, January 14, 2018 11:37 AM

Hi everyone. I'm 30 and it's been about 6 years since being dagnosed with Crohn's disease. For the duration I've mostly experienced pain, nausea, constipation and loss of appetite. These have barely changed even with biologic usage. Recently it was determined that I have a 5cm stricture of the small intestine. While surgery is not required or a priority, my doctor has recently presented it as an option that he believes could improve my quality of life. I'm torn because a) this would be my first surgery, b) I know there are many risks involved, and c) there's no guarantee this will improve things. Anyone else gone through this? Can anyone provide me with some outside perspective and/or advice? Thank you in advance

hummingbird
Joined Jan 14, 2018

Sat, March 31, 2018 3:48 PM

Reply posted for hummingbird.

Hey hummingbird!

I HIGHLY recommend it. I've had Crohn's since I was 12 and I'm 28 now. I had my first surgery at 22 and I don't regret it. It is a major surgery and you should consider what would be best for you but I will say I cried when I was conscious because I felt no more pain. My surgeon was an angel and explained everything to me and my parents about the surgery before and after.

Everyone was super patient as they know this is a huge decision and they want to make sure you understand the WHOLE process. It was surreal getting used to no stomach pain or cramping and I was happy I did it. It's been almost seven years since my surgery and the most I've had was a flare up. I'm starting Remicade on Tuesday to help with my current flare and excited to start it.

Good luck to you and know you have a whole community behind you!

lpugh89
Joined Mar 28, 2018

Tue, February 27, 2018 3:43 PM

Reply posted for hummingbird.

Hi, I am also 30 and I just had surgery for my Crohn's. After being on a biologic all my inflammatory markers went down however there was a stricture near my terminal ileum that remained inflamed regardless of what was thrown at it. My Dr said surgery was my only option to try to feel better and it was a major surgery I won't lie, I spent about 4 days in the hospital afterwards and am still in the recovery process. So far, the debilitating pain that I felt before my surgery, thankfully has not returned. I am still on a post surgery diet so I also can't say yet about whether or not I have been able to expand my diet, but I will keep you posted. If you don't mind my asking, what part of the country do you live in? Because if you are in NY or anywhere in the tri state area I can recommend a wonderful surgeon.

nygirl
Joined Feb 27, 2018

Thu, February 08, 2018 1:00 PM

Reply posted for hummingbird.

I had a proctocollectomy for ulcerative colitis. It worked pretty well till I came down with Crohn’s disease. It a really major surgery.

charbs
Joined Oct 31, 2016

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