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Bowel resection question

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 8/21/2009 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
I have had shocking trouble the last 2 years with my guts including CHRONIC constipation, i throw up everything I eat, fatigue so bad I don't work quarter of what I was and i'm completely miserable!!!!! I had a small bowel follow through which showed a long dead/useless and diseased part of my small intestine (ileum) which has doubled in length in the past year and although it wasn't a stricture the xray man said it will probably end up that way because its at toothpaste stage (and yes that is the technical term ha ha).

My question is - have you or do they remove bowel like that because to be honest I feel like I would be happier without it and i am considering telling my doc to swing that way if he was on the fence about it. I just cant imagine my heath getting better with drugs at this point an seeing as i was so poorly managed the past few years i feel that if I had a fresh start i could find remission again. What do you think?

p.s because of all your encouragement I ditched my useless doctor and found a new one who has seemed really proactive to get me tested well and I am so much more confident now about my care. so thank you all so much! Tina x x x
Posted 8/21/2009 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
I have had two resections myself. The first was a emergency, so I had no choice there. But the second one I made the decision to go ahead with another resection, because my quality of life was so poor. I think that it sounds like thats where you are now. I hope your doctor and you can agree on the decision and you get feeling better soon. Here's to a long long remission.

Hugs
Gail*Nanners*
Posted 8/21/2009 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi i had a resection for two strictures in jan my surgeon said that when he opened me up and had a look he wanted to sew me straight back up as the intestine was all congealed together and a right mess and very challenging for him! so they i'm sure they would operate on you. I am now doing ok no pain or fatigue and have my life back nearly when i get rid of this bag in Nov but that was for a fistula op. Good luck in whatever decision you decide to make.Bev x  
Posted 8/21/2009 7:02 PM (GMT 0)
I had to have an emergency resection in October 1999, with removal of a 13" section of my terminal ileum--which the surgeon later called "a really bad piece of intestine." Although I still have plenty of Crohn's symptoms (including constant diarrhea, joint pain, fatigue, and nausea), I haven't had to have any additional surgery. Recovery isn't fun, but it was worth it, as I felt much better for several years afterwards.
Posted 8/21/2009 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
Won't lie the surgery recovery is hardddd. No meds is really amazing.
Posted 8/22/2009 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah thanks guys I cant imagine what you have all gone through. I have lots of pain with the usual cramps and reaction to food but I honestly find the joint pain unbearable at times. I spent a whole night one night drugged up to my eye balls and sleepless from the pain and I how trapped I feel in my body and honestly wonder what the % of people was that give up on the disease is. I have been polite and patient and diplomatic about doctors and this disease and now i'm a force to be reckoned with so if it means surgery to get my life back i'm going to opt for it!

Thanks for all your relpy's x x x
Posted 8/27/2009 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
I was scared to death! I had 8 inches removed 4 weeks ago. I can hardly see my scars and as far as being in the hospital, the next day I had to get up and walk. It wasn't that bad. The worst part was the removal of the drainage tube. My friends did not lie to me so I won't lie to you. It hurt!!! Only for about 3 seconds but it was rough!! I feel awesome now. My last surgery is on Tuesday but I'll be fine. Good luck to you
Posted 8/29/2009 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
How long did it take your bowels to start working again following surgery?
Posted 8/29/2009 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
I had 18 inches removed.   

Best decision I have ever made.   Changed my life for the better.

Make sure you find a laproscopic surgeon.   I was back to work in 3 weeks, I could have gone back in two....

Piece of cake...    Easy stuff!

(I had to kind of convince my GI, they sometimes just want to throw meds at it)

My surgeon said that it was "really bad" so I have no regrets! 

Posted 8/29/2009 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
I want to respectfully disagree with Curly. If you have a lap your recovery will be a little quicker, but if its an open surgery the recovery is going to be harder and take up to 6 weeks to recover from. I had two open resections, and I won't lie, they hurt like the dickens, but they give you good pain meds, so don't be shy about useing them. If you end up having surgery, I am hoping and praying it leads you to a long long remission.

JayCA, it took a few days for my bowels to wake up, and then it was explosive diarrhea for a bit. It usually resolves within about 6 weeks, which is what mine did. Good luck to you both!
Posted 8/31/2009 3:53 AM (GMT 0)
Nanners... No problem... I appreciate it!!! :)

I am just saying... for ME... It was soooo easy! No pain, simple recovery, etc. Maybe I am just lucky Nanners! I just thought is was sooo easy!
Posted 8/31/2009 5:43 AM (GMT 0)
Man Curly, I hope my surgery goes like yours! I see my surgeon tomorrow, so I'll FINALLY find out just how much of my ileum is bad.
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