I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease May 2008 and have since gone through two colonoscopies, lots of tests, and tried many different medications. Currently, I take Humira every other week. While this has seemed to help some, I still have diarrhea numerous times a week which has led my GI doctor to believe I have Irritable Bowl Syndrome too. At my last appointment she ordered a CT scan of my abdomen because I was still experiencing problems even with the new medications for IBS and Humira.
Today, I received a letter stating that I have a stricture in my small bowel and need to discuss with her the possibility of having surgery. My appointment is for next Monday. What questions should I be prepared to ask her? Any thoughts from people who have had this type of surgery would be great. I'm really scared to have surgery and potentially more complications.
Thanks.
Reply posted for LaurenC13183.
I met with my doctor yesterday and I am fairly certain that I will go ahead with the surgery. My doctor said that I have an 8 inch stricture and the only option is surgery. I am working on finding a surgeon that specializes in IBD closer to my home right now. How long did it take you to recover from the surgery? A general surgeon that I met with the other day said that I could be in the hospital anywhere from 4-10 days, plus about a month afterwards that it would take for me to be feeling better. Any advice about how to make the hospital stay more comfortable?
Reply posted for pinkflowers.
There is a surgery called "stricturoplasty" used in small bowel Crohn's. Be sure to ask your doc about this.
Reply posted for pinkflowers.
Surgery has changed my life for the better. Every case is different though. Just talk to your doctor about the specific procedure done and the plan for after surgery.
Reply posted for RJB10345.
Bob - thanks for pointing me in the right direction. This will all be new to me if I end up having to go through with the surgery. Thanks for the input.
Reply posted for pinkflowers.
Pinkflowers - Scoll down from your post on Dealing With Surgery/Life After Surgery and read the replies to #8. "Anyone had their ileo-cecal valve removed?" I think you will find some of the answers you are looking for as you prepare to see your doctor. I would ask him if the ileocecal valve is to be removed; and if so, what procedure will be used. I would also ask if the "balloon" treatment I describe might be an alternative. Good luck! Keep us all posted. It is always nice hear when someone has some sucess with this disease! - Bob
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