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Those with recent ab. surgery/resection

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 5/21/2011 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
Some of you might know that I had a resection and hysterectomy in Feb.

My main concern is this persistent dull LRQ pain, which becomes more intense throughout the day. It feels like it could be from ab. muscles or nerves, because it is beneath the touch of fingers, not so deep all the time. I had this pain right after surgery, which was very strong then, and it has diminished slightly every week. I'd say this pain is about a 3-5/10 most days. A recent US was clear.

Is there anyone else who has had lingering muscular or nerve pain for months after ab. surgery?

I'm also still having "d" and bowel spasms and have to take cholestyramine, which is extremely disappointing. I was hoping that issue would have been resolved by now.

Advice, suggestions?
Posted 5/21/2011 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
Adhesions???? Another thing to remember that it will take a full year to heal from the surgery, so nerve endings are healing now etc. Just a thought!
Posted 5/21/2011 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Nanners, it could be adhesions forming. They form rather quickly, and sometimes cause a twist in the bowel. I had one in the exact same place for years. We'll see if my April 12 surgery gets rid of that pain for good. (My first resection was in 1981). If I turned and leaned to the left while in a certain seated position, I would get a horrible cramp/spasm.

Also, I'm not sure which side the appendix is on? I asked my current surgeon if I still have my appendix, and she said she didn't look for it, so she wasn't sure. I do know some surgeons take it out as a matter of course, but I have no idea if I still have mine or not!

In my case, I have had so many abdominal surgeries, I have very few skin nerves left. Good news/bad news - I accidentally burned myself with an old heating pad that doesn't turn off automatically. So I'm not sure how many nerves regenerate... It seems like it takes a long time for the muscles to come back, especially if you can't do anything for 8 weeks.

I am always leery of doing too much too fast, because I have this theory that it might cause adhesions. It's a good excuse anyway :)

Unfortunately, modern medicine still doesn't have a good way to map pain, even with all their machines and tests.

Good luck, I'm afraid I'm not much help :)

Sudsmom
Posted 5/21/2011 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
Roni

Like you I had a recent open resection on 1 Feb.  I too have odd days of pain, mainly in different places, it usually lasts a few hours but then goes off.  Never seems to be in the same spot

Not much help !

Posted 5/21/2011 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
I'm probably expecting too much too soon. I just want all these DD symptoms gone ASAP—I think I've earned it after about 15 years of non-stop CD.

At least I have more freedom with food. I just BBQed a very tender juicy filet mignon. This is my 4th steak since resection. I am seriously craving the iron and protein.

Thanks for the reassurance, e1.
Posted 5/21/2011 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
It has been over a year now since my resection and I still feel where I had the surgery when I sneeze.
Posted 5/22/2011 3:04 AM (GMT 0)
My surgery was almost 2 yrs ago and I still have nerve pain near one of the incisions.
Posted 5/22/2011 10:29 PM (GMT 0)
Roni,
I was so hoping you would be doing better now. As you know I had the same surgery. I am still having lower tummy pain and some right side pain now. It is a deep pain but you cannot really tell if it is muscle or tummy issues. I am leaning towards muscle. Is this what you are like? Arae you maybe being more active than you tummy muscles can handle? I know I didnt think I was being to active till the doctor asked lots of questions and she ragged me out for sweeping and scrubbing. And I am 9 weeks post op. She said because of the dual surgery to really expect 12-16 weeks.

I was having some tummy issues with it being overly active in rumbles, air, gas, cramping. I don't really have D anymore, or what I consider D to be. How much intestine are you missing now? Could the D be from lack of absorption?
For my tummy issues the dr has put me on Rabeprazole. It is kinda like Prvacid. Well after the first couple of days I really seem to be doing much better in those areas. Not anywhere near as much gas, and not such a noisy tummy either. I wonder if something like that could help you with the cramping stuff.
I am only on it for a month for now, as my doc hopes that my tummy will settle down as it gets more used to food.

I am not sure what else to suggest. But I hope you get some answers soon and can get past all the post op issues. I know how frustrating it all can be.

Tanya
Posted 5/23/2011 4:01 AM (GMT 0)
I've had a total of of approx. 16 inches of TI removed from 2 resections, along with ileocecal valve.

I hate to ask, Tanya, but are your stools still soft or formed?
Also, do you have any diet restrictions and are you drinking coffee or caffeine?

I'm considering restricting my diet more, even though docs always say CDers have a clean slate after surgery.
Posted 5/23/2011 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
Roni
No I had no problem after mine.  LLQ pain is usually associated with diverticilious, or lites.  Have you ever been to a GI doc for a colonoscopy?

Leslie

Posted 5/23/2011 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
Roni, This past surgery was my 3rd resection. I had a colorectal surgeon this time around. She ordered high fibre lowfat and low salt diet right from the get go. I was very skeptical because of everything we have beentold about low residue diets. But oddly enough after the first few days this has been the fastest return to normal diet I have had.

My stools are soft but kinda formed most times. And I eat everything! Raspberries, fiddleheads, salads!! (though cooked spinach and corn do increase frequency and make things looser) I only go 2 or 3 times a day now with the exception of the odd day.

I was drinking coffee again after a couple of weeks.

The only thing I have had trouble with is meat and with my new med it is going well now. I wonder how you would fare if you switched to high fibre diet. (after the first few days that is) I know this goes against everything we are told. But it really did work for me. I start my day with oatmeal with berries everyday.

I do not believe my pain is from crohn's. I am quite sure it is muscular to some extent, though I am suspecting a possible hernia or abcess in the pelvic area. If that pain does not go away by tomorrow I am calling my doc.

Keep us updated on how you are doing.

Tanya
Posted 5/24/2011 2:00 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Westat.

I'll try a high fibre diet (even though it sounds scary).
Posted 5/24/2011 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
how come you can eat salads? we're usually told to stay away from rufiage or however you spell it?
Posted 5/24/2011 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Lettuce is actually low fibre and is even considered safe for people with obstructions, according to Can. Dieticians website.
I've had more trouble with acidic dressings and tomatoes than the lettuce, although the lettuce doesn't always stay in there very long. lol. Of course, everyone is different, so go easy if you try it.
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