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Question About Surgery

Sun, October 26, 2008 3:51 PM

Hi,

I am thinking about having my entire colon removed for my case of UC (recommended by 2 GI docs). My question is this: according to this list, many people have bad experiences with surgery. However, my GI docs say that most have good experiences. Which percentage of people can live normal, happy lives following surgery? Also, for those of you who have had surgery, are you still on drugs, or are you able to live drug-free? (I am allergic to many drugs, and the thought of being drug-free is appealing). To clarify, I would have my entire, diseased colon removed.

lindalutz
Joined Oct 26, 2008

Tue, November 11, 2008 8:41 PM

Reply posted for RandyS.

Hi sorry that was supposed to go to linda, I am new here and didn't figure out I had to click on her reply...duh. Sorry

kruppel0916
Joined Nov 11, 2008

Tue, November 11, 2008 8:39 PM

Reply posted for RandyS.

I am in that same boat. I am an Elem. Phys. ed. teacher, and this disease is making not just work, but my life imposible. I have been at odds with myself over having an ostomy by choice for 2 years. The symptoms of the Crohns is not that bad, with the exception of multiple fistulas. I am on flagyl, but it doesn't seem to help. Good luck to you!

kruppel0916
Joined Nov 11, 2008

Mon, November 10, 2008 1:00 AM

Reply posted for lindalutz.

Linda,

I can tell you that I had surgery many years ago when I was 18, and since that day, I have NOT been on ANY medications and lead a TOTALLY fulfilling life

Dealing with the ileostomy was a challenge at first, but oncwe you get the hang of the pouching process it can be VERY simple and easy. And just think, you will NEVER need to know how close you are to a bathroom !

For more info you can contact me at 312-466-3683 or e-mail me at

drudzin@egii.com

rudyman22
Joined Nov 10, 2008

Tue, November 04, 2008 1:00 AM

Reply posted for lindalutz.

Linda,

I am 41 and had a complete colectomy with an ileostomy in January of 2007. Today I am off all meds and I am very active. I eat and drink what I want, participate in sports and haven't missed a day of work due to illness since the surgery. There is no doubt it was the right move for me. Anything I have to do now because of the surgery/ostomy is insignificant compared to what I have gained in return.

If you have any specific questions, I would be happy to help out.

-Mike

mtmcdaid
Joined Nov 4, 2008

Tue, October 28, 2008 12:00 AM

Reply posted for lindalutz.

My surgery was more than ten years ago, and though like most people I would have rather not have had it, It was necessary. For myself I had lost 60 ponds in 6 weeks so I said do it. For the most part it better than dealing with the colitis but I am still in the bathroom 6 to 8 times a day. (I think I eat to much) If I stop eating by 7:00 I can sleep through the night most of the time. The only meds I am on is imodium to slow things down. I ski with my kids and ride my bike with them. This year I am dealing with an abscess that wont heal even after surgery to drain it but I could have had this problems even if I still had my colon. The short answer is - for myself I am better off having had the surgery to remove my colon.

randys
Joined Oct 28, 2008

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