resection
Tue, December 13, 2011 11:13 AM
I've pretty much had every Crohn's experience possible it seems, I'm on Remicade every 6 weeks, and max dose of methotrexate, still though my most recent colono shows ulcers, inflammation, and all that good stuff. It is always located in the same spot, last 8 inches or so of my small intestine, they were gonna remove it 4 years ago but the surgeon changed his mind during surgery (against my drs' advice) but not that I'm even more intense treatment and at one of the best hospitals in the nation we are considering doing it. I mean if thats the bad spot and we are throwing everything at it and seeing no results it makes sense right? How long would my rehab be, I know I had like 2-3 weeks of very limited function when I had the surgery the first time (had the abdominal cut)
What do you guys think? Anyone had this area taken out before, I'd have to get B12 shots forever right but thats about it right?
rachjJoined Jun 2, 2008
Wed, January 25, 2012 8:15 PM
Reply posted for rachj.
Like you, I've been diverted and resected more than seems fair. At first I had to have B-12 shots once a week then once a month because the part that absorbs has been too diseased and then removed. I don't take injections anymore. I keep a check on my numbers regularly. I supplement my diet with an Instant Breakfast and fortified cereals. I find that drinking my nutrition makes a big difference. It's easily absorbed. But you should do what makes you feel better.
Joined Nov 22, 2011
Fri, December 23, 2011 7:53 PM
Reply posted for rachj.
I had a laprascopically assisted resection in 2004, terminal ileum and part of ascending colon. I was feeling MUCH better at 1 week and was back at work in 3 weeks (desk job though). The laprascopically assisted greatly decreased my recovery time. When they went in I knew there was a possibility of a full incision, but the surgeon was willing to try the laprascope first. I was very happy he did. They did remove the cecum, so it took about a year to adjust to not having the valve there to regulate the flow. I give myself my monthly B12 injections and have had no issues with them. I was on no medications for crohn's for a couple years after the resection, but I flare up from stress and I have a stressful job, so I am now on humira and entocort. If I had pain bad enough, I would have another resection, I'm just not at that point yet.
Good luck!
Joined Dec 13, 2011
Sat, December 17, 2011 11:55 PM
Reply posted for rachj.
Hello I have Crohn;s since 04 an in 05 I had the same surgrey u talking about an it took me about 5 weeks to get back to normal activites an now I got to go once a month and get a B-12 shot. Other than that still take my everyday medication an things are pretty normal. 
Joined Apr 8, 2008
Fri, December 16, 2011 1:52 PM
Reply posted for rachj.
Hi there!
I have disease in the same area as you and my GI has started talking about surgery even tho I havent been on some of the stronger drugs yet. I have relatively mild symptoms but a colonoscopy showed the disease to be active in the same area you talk about.
Would they have to remove the Caecum in your surgery? Is any of the large intestine involved? - The removal of these in surgery could slightly change your bowel habbit after surgery.
I am a student nurse in the UK and have watched several resections and they are brutal, however, if you have been suffering with the same area flaring and the drugs are not resolving the issue I would think surgery is the best option. Even if you manage to get into remission it is likely that the disease will continue to return in this area.
Surgery could put you into remission - although it is not always a perminant solution as I am sure you are aware. It may allow you to live symptom free for several years and/or enable you to reduce your drug treatments which must be hard going!
With regard to your surgeon not completing the operation previously - he must have had his reasons but as the situation has not resolved you may need to find a surgeon who will respect your descision.
Jai x
Joined Dec 16, 2011
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