2nd Opinion / Surgeon in Philadelphia Area

Hello,

I am hoping someone can suggest a good doctor in Philly for a 2nd opinion as well as a good surgeon. I am torn between Temple and Jefferson.

I have had Crohn's for 10 years and it is to the point I am in the worst pain on a daily basis and can barely function. I am going to my regular GI doctor at Cooper on Friday and I am 99% certain he is going to suggest a resection.

I have been on preds, remicaide, humira, and the latest cimzia with no luck and now have medicine induced lupus from the cimiza. I was in the hospital last February with a severe flare and there is now thickening of the intestine walls from the scar tissue.  When I was in the hospital, my doctor suggested the Cimzia as a last attempt to get this under control before we explore the idea of surgrey.  Since that did not work, surgery is going to be the next option. 

I am torn on what to do.  I really do not want the surgery, but who ever does?? I just started a new job and I am getting married in June so I feel like the timing is really bad, but then again, when it is ever a good time to get surgery!?

Can anyone who has had a resection give me an idea of what it was like? Was it laperscopic? How long was your recovery? Did you have any complications? Is your Crohn's better now compared to before surgery? Are you glad you had it done?

(Sorry, I am scared and don't know what to do!!)

I have had a bad experience with Virtua and Cooper so I am hoping someone can suggest a different practice and surgeon for another opinion.

Thanks!!

Thanks Roxy for the advise.

I wish I were young enough to go to CHOP! Think they will take 30 year olds!?!

I had gone to Penn before for a kidney procedure and I was not impressed with their bedside manners. It is unfortunate, becaue I hear what great doctors they have but I can't bring myself to go back there again.

I think I may call Jeff to get another appointment, we are very luck to have so many great hospitals to choose from. I just know if I do have to do this, I want it to be done in Philly rather than Jersey.

How long did it take for your daughter to recover?

 

My son did great after surgery except for some constipation issues.  He walked to the bathroom as soon as he was out of recovery and in his room.  He only had a 2 night stay at CHOP.  Two weeks later he was down the shore with his cousins swimming in the ocean.  He started eating and growing however, the disease started rearing its ugly head and we moved quickly to get him started on remicade. 

Since the resection and remicade we can see him getting closer to a remission.  As much as remicade scares me we are enjoying the results.

I know what you are saying about the bedside manner -my friend's doctor was a Penn doctor but the surgery was done at Presbyterian.  She wasn't crazy about the hospital.