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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 3/6/2014 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
I've been lurking on this forum for awhile now but decided I should just sign up and post. I am 25 and was diagnosed with Crohn's in December of 2012 but have had symptoms for years. Anyway, I was on Imuran and Humira up until my recent hospital stay. For the last month or so I would have episodes of fever/body pain but it would usually pass by the next morning. Well, last Tuesday I had to leave work because I swore I was getting the flu and when I got home my temp was 101 which is the highest it has been during this. I put a call in to my DR who scheduled a CT scan for the following day at 10AM but I didn't make it. I ended up in the ER at 4AM with a temp of almost 104. I was admitted after a CT scan found a small abscess and possible tiny perforation and placed on IV flagyl and levoquin for two days. I've since been released and given oral forms of those antibiotics but the only thing keeping the fever away is Tylenol and Advil when the Tylenol just won't work. I met with a surgeon yesterday and was told that surgery is a must at this point but they want to wait at least another week for the Imuran to get out of my system. Anyway, I'm facing a small bowel resection in the ileum where my disease is. They plan to do it laparoscopically but of course had to tell me all the risks. I'm pretty terrified because up until a few weeks ago my Crohn's hasen't caused me much trouble. Has anyone else had fevers with their Crohn's? What was the cause and what ended up making it go away? Any tips for surgery? Thanks for anything that might help! You guys seem really welcoming from what I have read.
Posted 3/6/2014 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum! Yes, I've had fevers before but not frequently. It's something my doctor always asks when I go in for a clinical visit. My fever has usually accompanied active intestinal inflammation or perianal abscess. Getting those things under control, have nipped the fevers.

Sorry to hear that you have to have surgery. I had surgery about 3 years ago to remove my ileocecal valve. Be prepared to be at the hospital for up to a week. Make sure you get direction from your doctor or hospital nutritionist on your diet when you get back home. Walk as much as you feel able to - it helps get the bowels movong again. Continue frequent walking after you get home.

Take paper and a pen with you to the hospital so that you can write down questions as you think of them. When your doctor does rounds, you'll be prepared with your written questions and you won't have to try to remember what you were thinking earlier. This especially helps the first few days when you're on the heavier doses of pain meds.
Posted 3/6/2014 3:52 AM (GMT 0)
Jmi907,
Best of luck with your surgery.
I had the same surgery 10 years ago and been in remission for almost 10 years,with an assist to Remicade and Humeria.They will probably remove your appendix also.With that section removed be ready for the need of B12 injections.Best wishes
Posted 3/6/2014 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
I just went through the same thing. I had fevers and night sweats for what was first thought to be a kidney infection. After a CAT scan, it was discovered that I had 2 colon abscesses and I was hospitalized for a few days and placed on IV antibiotics. They sent me home when my white count looked normal and I stayed on antibiotics and prednisone for about another week. A couple of days after stopping antibiotics, I spiked a fever of over 103 and was rushed to the hospital again. Another CAT scan showed huge abscesses and they booked surgery for as soon as they could fit me in. It was worst than they expected and they had to open me up and remove half of my colon and most of my rectum. They said the infection was so bad that they had to place blue dye into me to see my ureter on that side, so they wouldn't cut into it. I also had a microperf, as they called it and I am lucky that it was all found and treated. Please don't delay in getting checked out to make sure that abscess doesn't get out of control. Also, just a bit of advice on your medications. You mentioned that you were taking Advil and that is not advisable when you have this disease and also is stopped whenever someone is having surgery. You can look it up, but I am sure you will discover that this is true. Tylenol is the only OTC pain medication we should take. Good luck and let us know how you are doing.
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