Hello Veronica,
I am kind of in the same boat as you right now. I had 2 flare ups and was hospitalized for both of them. Was put on Flagyl, cipro iv, pentasa, levbid and can't forget the good pain meds. After my second episode and visit to the hospital this past May, I went on the Remaicaide infusion. I've had about 6-7 infusions so far. This has put me into remission up until 2 weeks ago. I started getting different symptoms than a "flare up". Was feeling bad bloating, nauseated, tiredness, tummy making crazy noises and had a hard time making a bowel movement. I went for a barium x-ray one week ago and I have one stricture in my small bowel though and not 5 like you. It got so bad this week, I thought getting the remacaide would help matters. It's been 3 days since I had the remacaide and I'm still feeling the same, not as bad though. My doctor told me to go on a soft diet and to eat as little fiber as possible. Maybe that is why I'm feeling better because of what I'm not eating now. Anyway I see my doctor next week and we'll discuss surgery at this point. His thing with surgery is that he doesn't like it at all unless it is absolutely necessary. He wants to use this as the last resort.
I wish you the best of luck to you with everything. It's nice to discuss this with somebody who knows what you are feeling and going through.
Take care,
Kim from MD