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Resection Surgery


Sat, December 19, 2009 2:55 PM

I had a colonoscopy the other day and my surgeon wants to remove a section of my small intestine due to ileitis.  My concern is that I have not really talked to my surgeon about the procedure (which will be taking place in about a week) yet, and I have no idea what is ahead of me.  I have tried to do some research online, but have not had my questions answered.  I was wondering if someone who had gone through a resection could let me know what all it entails.  My main concerns are if it is an outpatient procedure or not, the pain involved and what recovery is like...I am already missing the first week of classes and I want to know if after the two weeks of initial recovery if going back to school will be manageable.  I appreciate any and all feedback/advice since this is the first major surgery I have encountered and I am pretty nervous about the whole thing.

FPO mountaindawg
Joined Sep 17, 2009

Tue, December 29, 2009 11:13 PM

 Reply posted for mountaindawg.

I sincerely believe there is no shortcut for CD or any of the autoimmune diseases.  I was diagnosed with CD ten years ago.  I have researched everything and believe the best thing is to find a great GI Doctor and if needed a great surgeon.  I had a bowel resection last year and it was not so bad.  I have a follow-up colonoscopy coming soon.  Believe me if carrot juice did the trick I would toss the Prednisone/Imuran/Remicade in a heartbeat.  


I just know carrot juice or any other miracle cure or advice from well meaning friends is not the answer. 

Good luck!

FPO penwestern
Joined Jan 13, 2009

Wed, December 23, 2009 9:35 PM

 Reply posted for therese.

Hey Everybody,

Thanks for the information, it was very reassuring and helpful.  I had a sit down with my surgeon and it sounds like I am having the same exact procedure as you guys, luckily laproscopically.  The frustrating thing now is that I have an uncle who is saying that I am taking a shortcut and that I should consider alternatives to the surgery.  His miracle solution is carrot juice...I am skeptical to say the least.  Has anyone heard about positive evidence correlating carrot juice and Crohn's disease (beyond testimonials?)

FPO mountaindawg
Joined Sep 17, 2009

Tue, December 22, 2009 9:40 PM

 Reply posted for therese.

Hello,


I also had 12 inches of ileum and cecum removed last Feb.  It was not bad at all.  My two IV's hurt more than the surgery site after the first fewdays.  It was done laporoscopically.  Please see if you qualify for that and find a surgeon or a team of surgeons who specialize in laporoscopic resections.

After about a week in the hospital I went home and rested.  I returned to work at the time they predicted.  I immediately restarted my imuran and remicade.  I am having a colonosopy next month which is almost a year since surgery to see how I am doing.

I feel fine.  I have "D" sometimes as I did before.   Nothing worse.  I will find out if my colonoscopy shows inflammation.   It probably does as my Sed Rate is high.  I feel fine aside from newly formed muscle aches.  I am 55 yrs old.

I hope Dr. does not order Prednisone.  I would take the surgery over a long course of Prednisone any time.

I thought I would lose weight.  I did for about a month.  I have gained it all back and am at the weight prior to my crohns flare - up.

Good luck.  The Surgeon will probably give you pamphlets and draw a picture.

My surgeon was wonderful.  He was a General Surgeon and his partner was a colorectal surgeon who is an authority and pioneer in hand assisted laporoscopy.

Good wishes and God Bless!

FPO penwestern
Joined Jan 13, 2009

Sun, December 20, 2009 1:00 PM

 Reply posted for mountaindawg.

I had a resection for Crohns on on 11/10/09.They can usually do it laproscopically which is less invasive.Your hospital stay will be anywhere from 3-10days.There is minimal abdominal discomfort without an abdominal incision.They removed 12 inches of my right terminal ileum.Initially I had constant diarrhea for 2 days.

Recovery time varies(3-6wks before returning to work. Stay on your same pre surgery diet for 3 months until all internal healing complete.My meds will be stopped soon with a colonoscopy in 6-12 months to assess for new Crohns. They do not see any active disease now.I feel much better then I did before surgery.Good luck to you.

FPO therese
Joined Dec 14, 2009

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