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proposed surgery

Sat, April 17, 2010 5:07 PM

I am on Remicaid, and doing so-so. But I can't eat too many different things without some cramping, and I have horrible hunger fits, which pre-date the Remicaid. (Last year I had three partial obstructions in two different areas of stricture.)

My doctor is suggesting a surgery in which I would lose most of my colon and one part of the small intestine. It will probably not end up with a bag. What are people's stories with similar surgeries? I was particularly horrified to hear one person say they had to eat every hour! "Was does it mean "foods that gum me up", "foods that go right through me". Are people talking about gettting hungry? And the dehydration stories? And why do they need to take fiber? Or are these only with a bag?

I want also to hear from people who've had similar surgeries, and are quite happy with it. Thank you.

Also, do they always have to use steroids with surgery? My hunger fits began on Prednisone, and it gave me Gastritis. Can they use Remicaid for the surgery?

Has anyone out there had similar surgeries, and been glad? The doctor and the surgeon claim I would feel much better and be able to eat much more after a few months.

ebko
Joined Mar 12, 2009

Thu, May 06, 2010 4:06 PM

Reply posted for ebko.

Dear ebko,

I think I can answer part of your question. I had a colectomy 3 years ago and have an ileostomy. I haven't had any of my small intestine removed (that's why I'm not sure what I have to say really relates to your situation).

I do know that I was always hungry while on steroids but hated to eat anything because I knew how bad the cramping would hurt. I can eat virtually anything now and am pain free. I have to watch how much salad and raw vegetables I eat in a day so I don't overdo it. Other than that I feel great! My Crohn's flared a couple of months ago and I am on Entocort - a steroid that works in the small intestine. I haven't noticed any of the same side effects as with Prednisone - hunger, weight gain, moon face, etc. I hope this helps you a little. Surgery is a tough decision. I know. Good luck to you.

creativesort
Joined Apr 28, 2010

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