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How many surgeries are possible?

Thu, May 19, 2016 3:02 AM

Hi I was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice please. I've had 3 operations for my Crohn's: an emergency resection for a perforated bowel, then another resection and finally a strictureplasty which was 6 years ago, this is the longest I've been without surgery but lately. However, now I am getting the same symptoms again not as bad but it's becoming more frequent. I have just had a small bowel MRI to look for narrowings and I've had a letter calling me in for an appointment a lot earlier than it should have been, so I don't think I need to be a genius to work out there is some narrowing. My question is how many surgeries can I have? As I said my problem is my small intestine and I've already had 3. I'm 29 and I'm really frightened they will tell me my only option is a stoma now and I just don't feel ready for that. Many thanks

trudie
Joined May 19, 2016

Sun, November 27, 2016 11:43 AM

Reply posted for trudie.

Hey Trudie,
You could have several surgeries, heck you could probably have a dozen, if they are just doing tiny resections, and only cutting out exactly what is required even if they just taking an inch or so, each time, you have a finite amount of small intestine, in your body, and with crohns disease, your small intestine is already taking hits, from however long he has been comig up to the river gate all the time. So, ask lots of questions everytime they wanna take out more of your limited illium, and good luck

desertman88442@
Joined Nov 27, 2016

Tue, May 24, 2016 10:05 PM

Reply posted for trudie.

So it's not really a question of "how many" but more like "how much". Continual resections can lead to short gut syndrome which is basically when there isnt enough small intestine to absorb all the nutrients. it's a worthwhile question to ask your physician. but sometimes (especially if they have been conservative in the past) you can go through many many surgeries over your lifetime. best of luck! i wish i had better answers for you

akr008
Joined Sep 2, 2014

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