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Hi i am 27 and have had crhons disease in my illium for 10 years now. i have managed to get by without surgery and deal with the flare ups. Now my doctors are saying i really need the surgery while i am somewhat healthy, because i have strictures. I meet with the surgon Aug 16th. what questions should i ask? What do i need to know. I know laporscopic (sp?) is available, not sure if its covered by my ins. ANyone who has had this surgery i would love to hear your story, about recovery and how is life after surgery? thank you!

 Reply posted for Melis.

You'll be starting up the paperwork and you'll be meeting with an anesthesiologist who'll inform you on how they'll sedate you, you'll require pre op bloodwork, and you'll discuss pain control with the surgeon/anesthesiologist. The surgeon will give you the lowdown on what they will do to you and cover every possibility that might arise. You'll be warned of complications, etc.

Very important to discuss postoperative pain control. You may have the option of a drug pump with a button you can push or an epidural which is a nerve blocker so you won't feel pain in your abdomen.

Good luck!

 Reply posted for pglaspey.

 Reply posted for pglaspey.

 Reply posted for Melis.

I had emergency surgery about 3 weeks ago. They removed a foot and a half of my small intestine. I actually went in for a colonoscopy but that failed because I could not drink all the colyte the night before I started vomiting after the first 2 glasses.

SurgeryHey, Im 21 and just had part of my small and large intestine removed. I was just diagnosed in Feb. with Crohns, so everything has been progressing quite quickly, but the surgery went very very well. I also had my surgery done in Jacksonville and, although I didnt care for the surgeon, he knew what he was doing and I was back home in five days. Other than my issues with the catheter, everything went smoothly. No issues with any major pain or pain meds. Def. have someone around to help out, but if you go Lap. then you probably wont need too much help. I managed to move about on my own the day after surgery as long as I took it slow. Mostly, Id suggest knowing all the ramifications of surgery. What its going to do to regularity, food sensitivities, and that kind of stuff. But if you really have no choice about the surgery, that stuff can wait till after. Go into it relaxed and it helps when you wake up. Oh, last thing, if you have the catheter for more than two days, like me, Lidocayne will be your best friend.

SurgeryHi, Im 23 and just had the first of the two surgeries about 2 weeks ago in Jacksonville, FL -- my entire colon was removed & a J-pouch was created.  Honestly, I hardly had any serious pain.  I was on morphine through my IV for the first 2 days, but didnt take any pain meds once I was off and was able to go home after 4 days.  I had the surgery done laparoscopically, which Ive heard is probably best if you want to have kids some day.  It seems a little ridiculous to be concerned with scars - the three scars that would be visible if I wore a bikini are only a quarter of a centimeter.  Plus, I was told it speeds healing to have it done laparoscopically.  As an added bonus, the size of my tummy really went down - kinda like having a tummy tuck!  The surgery went super for me, and I hope it will be the same for you!

Recovery is going really well; luckily Ive had no complications or infections.  I have a temporary ileostomy until the 2nd surgery is done.  Its been easy to deal with & is hard to detect under clothes.  For awhile Ill have a lot of watery stool, but this is supposed to get better with time.  It really helps that I have a super supportive boyfriend too.  I suffered with UC for 8 years (with toxic C-diff bacteria as a side effect for over a year).  Surgery was definitely the best choice in my case!

 

 Reply posted for Melis.

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 Reply posted for Melis.

Hi there. I am also 27 and had my surgery one year ago. I have had Crohn's since 2006 and it developed so bad I had to have most of my colon removed. I heard the same thing about having the surgery when you are as healthy as possible. I was in a bit of a flare myself. First of all, I would recommend making a list for yourself up until your appointment. My surgeon was great in sitting there and answering all of my questions with patience. You want to be completely trusting and comfortable with this person. They should give you plenty of their time and attention, it's a big deal! 

 Reply posted for Melis.

My 17yo daughter had surgery the first of July. She is now 3 weeks out and doing great! Our surgeon told us doing the surgery when you are at your healthiest is the best time to do it. Recovery won't take as long and you 're not going into  the hospital all ready sick.  She had hers as an open procedure, her choice. The doctor made one low abdominal incision. When she wears a bathing suit you can't even see it. Our surgeon has been doing this for around 20 years and he stated this was very successful for him. We could have done it laparoscopically but we chose open. Her remark was, "Why have 3 incisions when I can have 1?" She had a pain ball inserted at her incision site so she had hardly any pain. The pain ball is literally a ball filled with local anesthesia that gives you constant medication. You usually keep it for 3 days,  then they just pull it out. Doesn't hurt. If you have an open procedure, ask about that.  She was up and walking the day after her surgery, and eating regular food on day 2. We went home on our 4th post-op day with no problems. You need to get up and walk and soon as they give you the ok. That is the biggest help of all. You will need someone with you for a least 1 if not 2 weeks , because you are not going to be able to drive, whether it is open or laparoscopically. I wish you the best of luck.