Posted 6/5/2011 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
I have had 4 resections. When I had my first 3, remicade was not available, so I really can't speak to that. But if she is completely blocked and it is scar tissue, I don't think any medication will change that. Scar tissue is scar tissue. If the swelling is due to inflammation, then medication might help, but would take time. My 2nd and 4th resection were both due to scar tissue. After a resection, you should remain on maintenance medication in order to STAY in remission. As for what to eat, it is really individual. In the short term, after surgery, a soft, bland diet should be followed, but eventually more foods can be introduced and everyone is different and can tolerate different things. Personally I follow a modified low residue diet at all times, but I have had 4 resections. With each surgery, my diet has had to be adjusted. And like all things CD, some days are better than others. What I can eat today, I may not be able to eat tomorrow.
Thought process behind avoiding surgery is that there is only so much bowel and once its gone, its gone. The majority of CD patients will need surgery at some point so the longer you can put it off the better. But, that being said, there is QUALITY of life to be considered, and once that is affected, surgery is definitely on the table.
I have basically in remission for the last 13+ years (since my 3rd resection). 4th resection was for scar tissue. Resection 1 - 3 was to undue the damage done from the years spent undiagnosed. So, yes you can spend years in remission after resection. My mother had almost 20 years of remission. That isn't to say there aren't still good days and bad days, but its technically remission.
The first few weeks after surgery are rough, but it does get better, and my guess is that your daughter will feel a lot better in a few months than she has in a long time.