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non-related Crohn's surgery - is it different for us?

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Posted 10/10/2013 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
So I've had Crohn's for about 7 years now - it was "triggered" by a bad flu combined with a root canal for an abscess in my tooth, for which they put me on a string on antibiotics and I got very sick, lost 45 lbs, landed in the hospital for a month, etc etc (we all know the drill :-) )

So here's my question: apparently I have another abscess in my tooth, under a molar that had a root canal - I went to the oral surgeon and he said he needs to extract the tooth asap and get rid of the abscess.
Since I can't take antibiotics, what will the healing be like for this? Has anyone else experienced something like this? I'm also on Humira so I don't heal as quickly - thoughts on that? To top it ALL off I was finally going on vacation - but I'm scheduled to fly the day after my tooth surgery so that should be cancelled in case there are complications, right? I did get traveler's insurance in case something related to my Crohn's decided to pick a time like this to thwart my travel plans and am on the fence, but since I don't know how I'll feel or what my recovery will be like I really shouldn't travel, right?

ANY thoughts, suggestions, etc are appreciated. :)
Posted 10/10/2013 3:38 PM (GMT 0)
Why can't you take antibiotics?
Posted 10/10/2013 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
No one can answer your question but you and your doctors. I would be hesitant but I guess it depends on where you are going and for how long. Traveling out of the country may not be wise in case you have complications.

I'm also curious as to why you can't have antibiotics. Also your last experience may not be repeated. Good luck. Keep us posted on your progress.
Posted 10/10/2013 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
My Crohn's was partially triggered by antibiotics, and since then anytime I've HAD to take it I run the risk of a Crohn's flare. I can take Flagyl and Cipro, but I don't know many people who have had good experiences with having an autoimmune disease taking antibiotics since it kills both the bad bacteria AND the good bacteria in your system, sending you into a tailspin. I've been advised to avoid it at all costs, only taking when absolutely necessary.

My main question is if the healing process is different having a surgical procedure when you have Crohn's and if any of that can trigger a flare.
Posted 10/10/2013 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
Are you able to take a probiotic while you are taking the antibiotics? That helps me counter act the affect of antibiotics on my gut.
Posted 10/10/2013 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
The last time I took antibiotics I lost 30 lbs and ended up in the hospital for a week and a half with a morphine drip and IV steroids. They are out of the question for me unless the alternative is certain death.

I already take probiotcs as part of my wellness routine, but thank you for the suggestion.

I guess my question is because I have an autoimmune disease and take an immune suppressing drug (Humira) will my recovery time be different because I don't heal as well? Can any type of surgery (an invasive trauma to the body) kick in a flare?

I'm not asking if it's going to happen to me because we have no way of knowing that, I'm asking if it's ever happened to anyone else HERE.
Posted 10/10/2013 10:32 PM (GMT 0)
Do not, I repeat do not, fly the day after the oral surgery. I made the mistake of flying the day after a root canal. The change in air pressure makes for horrific pressure within the cavity where the tooth is removed. My dentist warned me that it would hurt, and prescribed pain killers. I didn't think it would be any big deal so didn't take any prior to take-off. Big mistake. By the time we were at 30,000 feet, I though my jaw was going to explode.

I also had extensive pelvic surgery, total pelvic floor reconstruction, that lasted 5 hours. I was taking Simponi [another anti TNF] at the time and my rheumatologist insisted I stop taking it one month before the surgery. Simponi is given once every 30 days. She wanted to make sure it was out of my system so I would heal without difficulty. Since Humiora is taken every 14 days typically, your doctor might want you to have the oral surgery shortly before your next injection is due and then wait until the oral surgeon gives the okay that you are healed. You need to discuss Humira and this surgery with whomever is prescribing your Humira.
Posted 10/10/2013 11:08 PM (GMT 0)
THANK YOU SO MUCH IDES!! I am having my oral surgery on Wednesday then was due to fly on Thursday - the oral surgeon said I could still fly so do you think he would give me a note saying I can't? Because of my Crohn's I did get traveler's insurance through Expedia so maybe, hopefully, I can get a refund. I was going to cancel but was conflicted since I'd been planning this trip out of the country and was SO excited about it but you just clinched it for me and made my decision easier knowing it's the right one to cancel so thank you. :)

I called my GI today and they haven't gotten back to me - I'm supposed to take my Humira this weekend so am not sure how that schedule is going to work.

Im just hoping the abscess doesn't irritate my body so my Crohn's acts up - this time of year with the seasons getting colder is the worst for possible flares!

Thanks again :)
Posted 10/10/2013 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
Well, if your oral surgeon said it was okay, he must know what he is talking about. I do know that with a tooth extraction there will be padding, drainage, and I think after a bit, rinsing with warm, salted water. At least that's what my daughter's had to do. Depending on the country you are going to, would that be a problem? Just looked this up on WebMD:
"What To Expect After Surgery
In most cases, the recovery period lasts only a few days. The following will help speed recovery:
Take painkillers as prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon.
After 24 hours, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Make your own salt water by mixing 1 tsp (5 g) of salt in a medium-sized glass [8 fl oz (237 mL)] of warm water.
Change gauze pads before they become soaked with blood.
Relax after surgery. Physical activity may increase bleeding.
Avoid smoking.
Eat soft foods, such as gelatin, pudding, or a thin soup. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as healing progresses.
Do not lie flat. This may prolong bleeding. Prop up your head with pillows.
Avoid rubbing the area with your tongue.
Continue to carefully brush your teeth and tongue.

After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches. Some stitches dissolve over time, and some have to be removed after a few days. Your dentist will tell you whether your stitches need to be removed. "
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