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Posted 10/10/2008 1:48 PM (GMT 0)
Is there anyone who is post five years with a colectomy and Crohns? I am trying to find out if your crohns flared up and attacked your small bowel after having a colectomy - If it did how did the doctors treat? I am concerned about having this colectomy, resection to rectum and then having crohns flare and attack small bowel. I would appreciate any input - if you are not five years but have some stuff to share please do! Seeking lots of info.

Post Edited (chatkat1965) : 10/10/2008 8:02:46 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/10/2008 3:03 PM (GMT 0)
many of us have had proctocolectomies, for our Crohn's, since we also had rectal involvement. I myself just had mine last February, but had an ileo for about 8 years prior. I can say, during all that time, I did not have any problems with my small intestine. I know that if I do show any signs, I will have to start back on meds...but I'll cross that bridge if it ever happens.

I think the general rule of thumb is about 10 years...if you haven't had any problems during that time, you should be okay...but some docs differ on that time frame.

Someone should be along soon who has had theirs longer. good luck with your decision.
Posted 10/11/2008 8:40 AM (GMT 0)
Peggy is our poster child! smilewinkgrin She had it in her small intestine and has been Crohn's-free for 24 years!
I had it in my large intestine and rectum and have been Crohn's-free for 2 years. yeah
Posted 10/11/2008 12:58 PM (GMT 0)
I'm hitting 3 years this Jan. Honestly, I know my doc didn't expect me to make it 6 months before I had another flare...I am only too happy to prove him wrong!! :)
Posted 10/11/2008 1:00 PM (GMT 0)
Ah, geez, thanks flchurchlady!!! I did have CD in my small intestine, but also in the large and rectum. Resections didn't work for me, and finally the surgeon decided it best to just remove it all rather than trying to save any. What a wise, wise man Dr. Fazio was back in 1984. All of the resections were done trying to spare me from having an ileo the rest of my life. I was only 24 at the time and single, and very negative against having an ileostomy. My attitude changed once I was pain free and living LIFE again!!!

Yep, I have been very fortunate... 24 years this past July with no signs of Crohn's. And, 10 years was the time frame my surgeon had given me as an aiming point at the time of surgery. At the 10 year mark, I had quite a party for myself!!! At the time, I was hoping that I wasn't shooting myself in the foot for celebrating, but I am still Crohn's-free and hope to remain that way the rest of my life.

Best of luck to you.
Posted 10/11/2008 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
Peggy:

do you mean you only had the colon removed - you still have small intestine right?
Posted 10/11/2008 3:25 PM (GMT 0)

Oops, sorry for the confusion.

I've had my rectum, colon and several feet of small instestine removed to date.  I'm not quite sure of the exact amount of small intestine left.

Posted 10/11/2008 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
Wow - okay - sounds like you are very fortunate. What happened with your weight gain or loss?
Posted 10/13/2008 3:25 AM (GMT 0)

My metabolism tends to run high, as does my 1/2 bros and sisters, so I tend to be underweight and I do have a hard time gaining BUT I always have been on the thin side.  I'm not a great person to ask about weight.

But in Dec, Jan, Feb I weighed the most I ever have.  I had shoulder surgery right befroe Thanksgiving last year and wasn't able to lift anything until Feb so I sat around and ate.  Did very little activity actually except for going over to our house we are building and playing "go - fer".

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