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HOW DID YOUR BIG SURGERY GO?

Wed, September 01, 2010 6:27 PM

I am scheduling a large surgery where much of my colon and a small amount of the ileum will be lost. Has anyone here had such a surgery? How did it go? How is life afterward? diapers?

I want to know how people who have large surgeries like that feel afterward? How long does it take to not have cramps, gas, burning? And are the cramps terrible? Nausea?

The surgeon said 2-3 months of cramping and bloating from gas. Hes giving me strong medication, but I fear that may lead to nausea.(percoset,morphine)

If anyone has had a large surgery, tell me how you felt afterward, was it moderate or severe trouble, and HOW LONG DID THE TROUBLE LAST?

Did it affect your diet?

Could you eat more after surgery, and when? Thank you.

ebko
Joined Mar 12, 2009

Wed, September 01, 2010 6:31 PM

Reply posted for ebko.

Both of my big surgeries went really well. I've had resections and strictureplasty procedures. I did not require any kind of pouch or bag, and I absolutely adore my surgeon.

My last big surgery I had henna tattooed my belly in a big spiral shape to inject some humor in the OR and my surgeon said she laughed and thought the tattoo was awesome. I always think of writing some kind of goofy message on my buttcheek to my GI before a scope but I can't see what I'm doing and I wouldn't be able to see or hear his reaction anyway...

Quality of life will get better no matter what!

laura 6mp
Joined Aug 31, 2010

Tue, August 17, 2010 10:11 AM

Reply posted for ebko.

You have some good questions about surgery, atleast you'll be prepared. My family & I were not prepared at all for my emergency surgery on May 05, 2010. First of all I have crohn's and was diagnosed 6 years ago at age 15...I've been thru several gastro dr's and all kinds of medication but never got any relief. I went into the ER late one night because the pain was unbearable, come to find out parts of my intestines were fused to one another and really infected and I needed a blood transfusion ASAP. I was in for 2 days and they decided on surgery. I had 1 1/2 feet of small intestine removed, part of my colon, and my appendix. The surgery went well but after it I just went downhill. I somehow got too much fluid behind my lungs and my heart started failing. I now take medicine everyday for Congestive Heart Failure but my cardiologist said its only temporary bc my heart is able to repair itself, thank you God! I was in the hospital for 2 weeks straight struggling with my blood pressure and heart but my surgery had gone well. The DR's finally got it under control and I was able to leave May 16th. I barely can remember what happened those whole 2 weeks and it bothers me but my family says that I don't want to know all I went thru. Now as far as life after surgery it was VERY rough...I went through a horrible depression for about a month. The urgency to use the bathroom was severe! I still struggle with that now but atleast I don't have constant pain. I also have a twin sister that has Crohn's and she had her first resection about 5 years before mine so I was able to relate alot with her but we live in different states. I just got done fighting a case of pancreatitis, that lasted 2 weeks! So now my Gastro has me back on Humira weekly because my joints and diarrhea still are my main problems but they are manageable. I'm glad that I went through what I had to go through because now life is good! If you have anyother questions, just let me know!

laura1988
Joined Mar 30, 2008

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