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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 7/14/2009 12:34 PM (GMT 0)
Originally diagnosed with CD 25 years ago. Had frequent problems with diarrhea, but too keep the story short essentially managed with lots of immodium. Now I’ve hit the wall! Went to the ER at end of May for severe cramps, had some of usual preliminary tests, and told new doctor of CD diagnosed years ago.
Bowels shut down for 6 days with no food or drink, discharged with low fiber diet, and entocart. Two weeks passed before follow-up visit (no improvement w/ constant diarrhea) so added Pentassa. After a few more weeks , return visit, no better so decided to have “capsule endoscopy” as we still hadn’t an updated, confirmed diagnosis of CD.
Swallowed camera at 7:15 last Wednesday, dropped off transmitter stuff at 3:15, across street for a “double cheeseburger”. about 6:00 that evening I started getting cramps, and ended up at the ER, but this time with excruciating pain! I’ll spare all the details except to say that x-rays showed a picture of the camera sitting somewhere around the end of the ileium-STUCK!
I was scheduled for surgery at 9:00 this am, but passed the camera at 7:00, postponed the surgery (this may turn out to be a mistake, but didn’t think physically or mentally that I was ready to “bite the bullet”! I’ll probably be discharged tomorrow as a have managed one day so far on a liquid diet. I will go home with new meds - Flagel (sp?), Predisone, Pentasa, with the possibility of adding one of the heavy duty drugs in two weeks if no improvement.

The short version??? I guess i’m gearing up for a long recovery as i can’t live in denial any longer!
Posted 7/14/2009 12:42 PM (GMT 0)
It sounds like the treatment you are receiving is appropriate and timely. I am assuming from your post that you have not been on any maintenance medications for 25 years since your initial diagnosis, which would certainly explain the pill cam getting stuck from scarring and narrowing in the TI. How much of that was scarring and how much untreated inflammation remains to be seen -- hopefully more of the latter. Actually, your account sounds somewhat hopeful that you may have a mild to mnoderate case of Crohns, as someone with a severe case, essentially untreated for 25 years, would very likely have had fistulas, strictures, emergency surgeries and much more by now. Anyway, welcome to HW Crohns forum and browse around. This place is filled with useful information on medications and other issues. Congratulations in finally emerging from that river in Eqypt . . . de Nile.

Posted 7/14/2009 1:14 PM (GMT 0)
I did much like you, I lived for almost 20 years as if I didn't have Crohns. But the Crohns never forgot me, while I was busy getting on with my life, the Crohns was still in there doing its damage microscopically. My 20 year med free remission ended with an emergency resection due to complete obstruction. Sounds like you might have escaped that for now, hopefully its just inflammation and the meds work for you. I can tell you one thing I learned, is that I will never be med free again. I don't want a repeat to occur. Do keep us posted on how you are doing.

Hugs
Gail*Nanners*
Posted 7/14/2009 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
Ive had one of these stuck in my illiem , but mine perforated in 3 places besides just getting stuck. Pretty crappy time 23 days in the hospital, 6 at my Regional Medical Center, and the rest at a University hospital in my State capital about an hour or more away.

Anyway hope all gets well.
My names Chris by the way, I'm always in the Chat if you want to talk.
Posted 7/15/2009 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
Ow. I'm sorry you're in so much pain.

It's good to hear that you're getting proper medical treatment now; best wishes for a full (and medicated and monitored) recovery.

Ivy.
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