Advice on potential bowel resection

I need advice as I am torn on what to do ...

I am 34 years old and have been on Remicade and 6MP for close to 20 years. I have recently started developing skin cancers that my doctor feels may be a result of long term use of these drugs. My SED rate has stayed between 50 - 80 for the last 5 years and I am severely anemic.

I would like to go off of my current medications and try an new regimen. Yesterday I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy that showed that I only have active disease in the area where my colon and small bowel meet. My DR recommended doing a resection of this area before we attempt to change my medications.

I am torn --- mostly because I don't feel horrible. Intermittent pain, worn down and some loose stool are my only current symptoms. I am afraid the resection will be more hurt than help. But I am also afraid that if I don't go off these medications I am going to continue to battle the ugly side effects.

I would like advice on what to do and experiences with bowel resection.

Thank you :))

Hi Friend & caia,

I am in a similar situation as you. I am on Humira and have been for 3 1/2 years. I saw a surgeon because I also have a stricture in my duodenum. I feel fine as long as I don't over eat or eat too much of the wrong thing. I decided to have surgery his march after meeting with a surgeon. I'll be sure to keep you guys posted and let you know whether or not it was worth it

My cousin who is 37 had been suffering with pain in her illium for 2 years from CD and she finally had a resection in 7/2012 where they took out 5 inches and the valve and now she feels better than she has felt in many years.  No more symptoms, no more pain, she can eat what ever she wants (but doesn't) without any problems, she has gained all her wieght back and feels perfect.   She wishes she had had the surgery earlier, then listening to her GI who  kept telling her he could put here in remission with humira.  After suffering for years with pain, the surgeon told the GI to take his humira and shove where the light don't shine and said surgery is the only way to deal with this. and he was right.

She had a really good surgeon who had a pathologist in the OR with him so that as he was cutting out intestine, he would give the pathologist samples to check right there in the OR  so that he was sure he removed all the CD and left none behind. He also didn't want to cut out more intestine then he needed.

After the surgery, my cousin had no problemas with D and her BMs are totally normal. The only maintenance drug she is taking is pentassa and she is also following the SCD diet with hopes that she can keep the CD from ever returning.

Don't be afraid of the surgery. Go for it, you will be glad you did. Just get a good surgeon and ask him to have a pathologist in the OR with him.

Crohnielass.... was wondering when you had your first resection and got a 15 yesr remission was that medication free or were you on meds during that time? Thanks