Posted 9/3/2015 11:44 AM (GMT 0)
kiptyn,
First thing I would tell you is to take a deep breath. I know, as do many members of this forum know that getting a finding of dysplasia can be a bitter pill to swallow
Once this diagnosis sinks in, for me it spurred me into action. I read all I could from some medical journals. I researched ostomies..including how it affects ones life (which consensus says it needn't be ). I researched the supplies I will use as an ostomy...even types of underwear and undergarments I can wear which help to keep the ostomy concealed.
I can understand why you say you feel fine, and because of this fact
you cannot understand or entertain the fact that you need surgery.
Now take a different shift in thinking...You are relatively healthy now, you are strong and thankfully it only shows dysplasia. Because of these reasons you must act. Dysplasia in the colon, in the face of inflammatory bowel disease, can and most likely will progress through different stages of dysplasia. There is low grade dysplasia and high grade dysplasia. Ultimately it can progress to colorectal cancer (CRC).
I coped with my diagnosis by being soooo thankful that this is all they found so far- low grade dysplasia. There is however the possibility that there could be other areas that might have already progressed. In inflammatory bowel disease there is what is called a "field effect"...which increases the risk of further progression....and ultimately to CRC. This is why I was driven to act and take control of my situation.
In a person without Crohns or colitis, they would likely just resect the area of concern. In Crohns & UC it is a different ball game.
My Drs. and some of the articles I have read stated that there can be a 40-50% progression to malignancy within 5 years.
My way of thinking is that I am not a gambler. I do not want to wait for the next shoe to drop. Action is my only option.
Kiptyn, you are fortunate you are able to have a J pouch. I know some people and they are doing very well. They are very happy with their J pouch. I am not a candidate for a J pouch as I have Crohns. Crohns disease is segmental in nature...it skips to different areas throughout the colon. I also have a lot of disease lower down so my rectum cannot be spared.
From the time of my diagnosis till my actual booking for my surgery was about 1 month. I believe I have some of the best and brightest as far as gastroenterologist & surgeons are concerned. I am ready to go.
I will tell you to find the best in your geographic area and ask questions. No question is a stupid one!!
Finally I first must apologize for being so wordy....but I often am when I feel passionate about something :)
I would also say attitude is everything. Use every resource you can find. This forum has been sooooooo helpful and instrumental in helping me get to the mindset I have today. I really feel at peace with what will be my new reality.
Wishing you all the best & sending you hugs!!!Will see you around this forum.