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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 11/3/2016 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
Having had Crohns for quite some time and having had a small bowel resection, am again awaiting surgery. Have scarring and stricture near the site of the prior surgery. Abdominal distention is getting worse causing shortness of breath, but seems the surgeon is having a problem getting me on the schedule. My GI is concerned about a potential intestinal perforation.
Any ideas short of the ER?
Posted 11/3/2016 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
If you have any shortness of breath, get to an ER! A perforation is a life threatening emergency.
Posted 11/3/2016 2:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much~
Posted 11/3/2016 6:12 PM (GMT 0)
I would also head to the ER. My surgeon and his partner always have an afternoon blocked for ER surgeries. So even the time I went in through the ER he could still be my surgeon and could operate within 48 hours.
Posted 11/6/2016 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
Yep, I think you should go to the ER as you don't have time to waste looking for another surgeon.
Posted 11/6/2016 3:04 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the input.
I'm on a liquid diet and surgery is scheduled for Tuesday 11/8 (glad I voted early. lol) Seriously, the doctors are comfortable with the wait if I stay with a liquid diet. I'm starving but other than that, feel much better. Will update after I recoup. My GI wants me to try one of the biologic meds afterwards, but still researching.
Thanks again!
Posted 11/6/2016 3:31 AM (GMT 0)
I had a partial obstruction and remained on a liquid diet for around 3 weeks while I waited for surgery. It is miserable, but I was feeling so ill that I wouldn't have wanted to eat anyway. I'm glad you are having surgery soon and I hope all goes well for you. I didn't have shortness of breath though...that kind of worries me! Trust yourself and go to the ER sooner if you feel like you are in danger
Posted 11/6/2016 7:41 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks gumby33. Sleep problems are the only issue I'm experiencing while waiting for surgery. Considered Melatonin but after reading and learning how it can affect BP if one is already taking BP medications, decided against it. I have sleep medication (Ambien) but it affects how I feel the following morning. So, now I sleep in short spurts.
By the way, I notice you indicate you had a fecal transplant. How does that work and where is it available?

Thanks!
Posted 11/7/2016 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
The fecal transplant was for recurrent c.difficile infections that I was having, which is a fairly widespread and acceptable treatment. Using fecal transplants for Crohn's has not been proven to be effective. I had donor stool from a friend who was tested for infections and they administered it via a colonoscopy. I live in northern MI and it was my local GI who did it. Unless you are struggling with c.difficile, I don't think it will be all that helpful for you.
Posted 11/7/2016 1:01 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks! No C-diff here. Glad it's working.
Posted 11/8/2016 4:12 AM (GMT 0)
Good luck with surgery. I hope all goes well. Post when you feel up to it and let us know how you are doing.
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