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is surgery a 'given'


Tue, November 10, 2009 1:00 AM

hello,

37 yr old mother of 4, recently told I either have crohn's, UC or cancer.  Waiting for scope on thursday to find out.  Is surgery something I should assume is going to happen?  Do all crohn's and UC patients end up with surgery?  I didn't know I had this.........had been ignoring stomach pain and diahrea for a long time but was taken to ER last saturday in so much pain I couldn't walk.  Thought I needed appendix removed but, surprise! it was the colon.  I'm overwhelmed by all the information and just need some bare facts from someone that's been down the same road. 

Thank you

 

FPO firefly72
Joined Nov 9, 2009

Thu, November 12, 2009 1:00 AM

 Reply posted for firefly72.

This book was very helpful to me:

100 Questions and Answers About Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: A Lahey Clinic Guide

My sister got it for free but I think you can buy it at Amazon for $12

Good luck to you, just keep advocating for yourself and never ignore pain!

FPO lin
Joined Mar 18, 2008

Thu, November 12, 2009 1:00 AM

 Reply posted for firefly72.

Everyone is different and you should just do what you need.  Surgery is usually a last resort as surgery will usually start scarring and repeat surgeries in years to come.

I had surgery a year and a half ago and just today had a second colonoscopy that showed I am still all clear of signs of Crohns, although it is still there on a microscopic level.  The surgery changed my life, I was free of fevers, mailaise, pain, etc.

FPO lin
Joined Mar 18, 2008

Wed, November 11, 2009 1:00 AM

 Reply posted for firefly72.

I dont think surgery is a given.  Everyones disease is different.  I had surgery.  I had 1 meter of small intestine removed about 3 years ago now.  So far I only have minor flare ups and I am recovering well with medication.  Some others on here you will read are in far worse shape.  Anyway,  my point is not everyone ends up with a bag.  Best of luck and stay hopeful that medication will see you through.

FPO josh29152
Joined Feb 16, 2009

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