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What to expect after bowel resection surgery?

Thu, May 31, 2012 3:17 PM

Hi everybody,

My name is Jeff. I am 16 years old and was recently diagnosed with Crohn's. I had a bad flare up earlier this month and ended up in the hospital. I had to get a bowel resection where they removed part of my terminal ileum and part of my colon. It was about 40 cm. The surgery was about two weeks ago so Im still recovering but getting better each day. I was wondering if any of you had to experience this and if there are any tips on how to deal with it. Also i was wondering if I should expect any long term changes with my body due to the surgery. Thanks!

jmutchnik21
Joined May 31, 2012

Thu, June 14, 2012 5:18 PM

Reply posted for jammer.

Wow, I must have spaced. Reread your post and see you are 16. Ignore the part about work. It's summertime. Plenty of time for healing. What ever you do, don't let it get you down. Remember.. YOU have Crohn's, IT doesn't have you! It's what you make of it. That's the way I look at it.

jammer
Joined Jun 14, 2012

Thu, June 14, 2012 5:14 PM

Reply posted for Jmutchnik21.

My first post here. I was diagnosed in 1995 and have had 2 bowel resec's. 2001 and again 2003. In remission up until about 18 months ago. My first bowel resec was about a foot and was part terminal ileum and rest small bowel. I was a new man after it. Which is why I needed the second surgery so quick. I acted like I didn't have Crohn's after surgery. It was amazing. I continued smoking started eating all the things I was supposed to be careful about. Then 1 year after my surgery the pain came back with a vengeance. My 2nd surgery was the same, about a foot, term ileum and small bowel. But I quit smoking and starting acting like I had Crohn's. The 8-9 years after were great. No flares, put weight back on.

The biggest downside for me has been the lack of ability of your body to absorb the nutrients you need now. With no 'real' terminal ileum and 2 feet of small bowel gone, solid BM are a thing of the past (as if they existed before, lol). That said, your body absorbs nutrients from that area and since it moves through so quickly, it can't get everthing it needs. Most of time, dinner is out before bed, at least the parts you recognize if you know what I mean. I have to take potassium/magnesium/calcium supplements daily.

Do what your Dr. says, do what your spouse/friends/family that care for you say. Not everyone responds the same, but for me it was great. Now I'm starting Humira next week or so, so we can hold off surgery again.

Good luck to you and based on the post date, you should be ready for work anytime now, am I right? My first surgery kept me out for 6 1/2 weeks the second I was back at work in 5, coulda been sooner, but I had the time so I used it.

James

jammer
Joined Jun 14, 2012

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