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Will surgery make it all better?

Sat, February 21, 2009 3:56 AM

I'm strongly considering the J-pouch surgery (on advice from Dr.), and am only starting to realize a lot of other things (sore joints, dryness, headaches, etc.) may be tied to my colitis and/or the medications (currently Lialda and Rowassa enemas.) Any experience with this? Or does it just make your colon better, leaving you to deal with the other (autoimmune?) things? I've never seen much info in the way of a tie between arthritis and other autoimmune diseases and colitis, but they seem to be treated with a lot of the same drugs. If it comes right down to it, having a digestive system that functions relatively normal would be a step up even if everything else stays the same, but I'm very curious. Thanks

kdznplz
Joined Jan 24, 2009

Thu, March 19, 2009 4:19 PM

Reply posted for kdznplz.

Hi again! Yes inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis are related. And it can be symptoms from your meds. I responded to another of your posts suggesting that you visit a website...jpouch.org. It will fill you with more info than you ever dreamed possible! There is a lady there that is a nurse and she suffers from arthritis and had UC (now has a jpouch). She can fill you in on so much as she was once a nurse.

As I said in your other post...don't be scared off by the negative posts you read there. Most people visit it to address problems they are having. Few, like me, visit to encourage others...they are too busy living GREAT lives with their jpouch. It's a rough road but so worth it! I have my life back!!!!

Take Care! Susan

rodshunny
Joined Mar 17, 2009

Sun, March 08, 2009 5:41 PM

Reply posted for kdznplz.

I have suffered with Crohn's and UC for the past 19 years. In May 2007 my life changed for ever when my colon ruptured and had to be removed. I had complications and it took 7 surgeries, however I now live with the J-Pouch. I will not kid you, it was very rough after the final take down surgery, it took about 6 months for my body to adapt. It has now been almost 15 months since the take down and it was all worth it.

ringo1597
Joined Mar 8, 2009

Sat, March 07, 2009 10:44 PM

Reply posted for kdznplz.

What you ask is exactly what I am thinking. I have had so many other associated problems...skin rash, joint pain, fatigue etc. I wonder if they will stop. Also Ive heard after surgery you are still having 5-8 bowel movements a day!! And there are a ton of possible complications too. So is it worth it? Where can I find out more about "life after surgery"? What are anyone else's thoughts?

cheryl1054
Joined Apr 29, 2008

Sun, March 01, 2009 10:47 PM

Reply posted for kdznplz.

UC and CD flares can correspond with increased symptoms outside of the digestive system (and when a flare-up ends, other symptoms decrease as well). I think this extends to successful surgeries removing diseased portions of tissue.

As far as i understand, there are two reasons for the medications to be the same for the conditions you mentioned: 1. both are auto-immune disorders, and the treatment helps manage that response and 2. as mentioned above, treading the digestive symptoms can help reduce other symptoms.

Having a j-pouch has its own set of symptoms and challenges, but statistically, it is likely to be much more managable than your current condition (if your dr advises the surgery).

dswife
Joined Mar 1, 2009

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