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Posted 11/11/2008 4:16 AM (GMT 0)

 

 

I was diagnosed in 1977 with Crohn's disease.  I have been VERY fortunate and blessed!  I have been hospitalized only twice - once when I was diagnosed.  I have only taken prednisone twice.  I have never had any surgery.  Only regular meds I have taken are Azulfadine - every since I was diagnosed.

 

Well, my luck has run out!  During my colonoscopy in Aug. 08, a stricture was discovered. A few tests later, it was determined that removing just the stricture is not an option. 

 

I am scheduled for a colectomy Nov. 18 at the Cleveland Clinic.  It will be done laporscopicly. 

 

I have lots of questions and looking for those who have had this - please share with me your experiences. 

 

What can expect in regards to diet?  What should I avoid?

What about weight?  I have actually gained weight the last several years - thanks to the change of life :)

How long did it take you to adjust to the 'new system'?  My surgeon has told me I will have additional BMs per day and they will be looser, but my body would eventually figure it out and things would get better. 

 

I would appreciate anything you would not mind sharing. 

 

Sherri608

I have Crohn's, but Crohn's doesn't have me

Posted 11/11/2008 11:37 AM (GMT 0)
Sherri,
You might want to post your question over on the Ostomy forum. There are a lot of people there who have had a colectomy, so you will get some answers to your questions. I wish I could help, but I had Crohn's in my rectum, too, so I had it removed and have a permanent ileostomy.
Take care and good luck with your surgery,
:-) Cecilia
Posted 11/13/2008 5:25 AM (GMT 0)
I had a colectomy 4 years ago and life has been great ever since! I was 32 at the time and the main hurdle was self image issues but afer a few months I couldn't imagine not having my ostomy. Here's a great handbook for you and your family about living with an ostomy:

http://www.ostomy.evansville.net/ostomyhandbook.htm
Posted 11/13/2008 6:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

My mother just had the surgery and she can eat what she wants. She has had a little adjustment period.
Just trying to figure out how everything works. She is on week 5 and doing great!!

Good Luck!!
Posted 11/13/2008 10:31 AM (GMT 0)
I have not had surgery, but I just wanted to wish you the best of luck! Also, as others have said, there is an ostomy board on this site to help you. Blessings, Julie:-)
Posted 11/13/2008 12:01 PM (GMT 0)

Sherri--welcome to the forum!  Sorry to hear of your upcoming surgery.  I, too, had my surgery at the Cleveland Clinic.  Actually, I have been treated there for the last 11 years (luckily my husband was transferred to Ohio for work!!).  I had a proctocolectomy, due to Crohn's in my rectum and many strictures, last February, and don't regret it a bit.  Although I have a permanent ileo, like Cecelia, my life is so much better now.

Laproscopic surgery will help to shorten your recovery...lucky you!  Definately check out the ostomy board...there are some great posts regarding your type of surgery/diet/recovery.  Good luck and keep us posted on how things go. 

Oh,  don't forget to get up and walk, walk, walk and then walk some more...it will get your system up and working sooner so you can get home quicker!

Posted 11/14/2008 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
I had a similar situation as you...I thought I was doing fine, had no issues, went in a for a routine colonscopy and went I came to, my dr. had a surgeon there to talk to me.  I also had a stricture.  They had to remove 1/3 of my colon and TI.  It was done via lapro at the Clev. Clinic in Nov. of 2006.  My surgery went great, I was there Tuesday-Friday.  The only drawback is that the rooms are semi-private.  I agree with the other poster about getting up to walk.  My recovery was relatively quick for such a major surgery.  If you have any other questions, please ask.  I hope it goes well for you.

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