Surgery appointment..

it depends which surgeon you get an appt with and if you have all of your medical records available to them. I had surgery due to high grade dysplasia, so my surgeon wanted to make sure that the cc confirmed it (which they did since I see a GI there). Then depending upon history (steroids, biologics) they will discuss 2 or 3 steps and laproscopic vs robotic (depending upon which surgeon you choose). If you and the surgeon agree that surgery is the right choice, they will do some blood tests before you leave to see if you need iron infusions prior to surgery if you are anemic. If you do, then you can get them done wherever you live. Depending upon the surgeon's schedule, it will probably be about 2 weeks out for surgery unless you are on steroids and they want to get your off of them, so plenty of time to make all the necessary arrangements. All of the pre-tests for surgery can be done the day before your scheduled surgery, so you do not need to make another trip. It is like a well oiled machine and the surgeon's nurse will become your best friend for a few weeks making sure you are taken care of and all of the necessary tests are done prior to surgery, so if you have any trouble with scheduling or anything else just email her whith your questions. My surgeon's nurse was fantastic to deal with answering any questions or concerns I had pre and post op, which made everything so much easier. The best thing about the CC is not necessarily the Dr's but the support staff throughout the process. The RN's and medical assistants post surgery are the real stars of the show in my opinion, since the floor is dedicated to patients like you and they know what you need to get better and are your advocates when things aren't trending in the right direction.

I had a consult with Dr Remzi about 4 years ago and he looked at my medical history and after discussion about the surgery and possible outcomes he suggested I have the surgery (this was prior to my GI discovering high grade dysplasia). At that time, I wasn't willing to have the surgery, because he wanted to do a three step due to long term pred use and does not do minimally invasive surgery. After that consult, I talked to my GI at the CC and he said I did not need surgery yet, but when we had exhausted all options or cancer developed, he would tell me to get the surgery. My GI said that surgeons cut, so of course they are going to recommend surgery, even if there are other options. I chose to wait at that time, but my body made my mind up for me a year ago and I ultimately chose a different surgeon at CC because I wanted 2 steps and I wanted it done minimally invasive (ie robotic surgery).

So if you want the surgery, then a surgeon will operate. As far as having a colonoscopy, when was your last one? If it is recent, then they may ask for the biopsy slides to confirm a diagnosis with their staff. Is your current GI referring you to the CC? Depending upon which Dr you choose, your initial wait time for an appointment can be as much as 3 months for Remzi.

I went for the 1st appointment. he looked at my butt at that appointment, & we talked. I was out of options so it wasn't a situation where he was trying to sell me, just making me feel confident he could do a good job and answering my questions. I scheduled my appointment at the next available, which was a month away... They gave me pre-op instructions, a script for colon prep and lab orders. The next time I saw the surgeon was at the hospital on the day of step one. Since, I have been seeing him monthly for follow-up. It has been 3 appointments between step one and step 2. I am having 3 step. 2 months to step 3 after step 2. I Imagine i will see him once or twice. I haven't had any problems going out since step 1. No more worries at all. Before, I never knew whether i would be able to get somewhere without an accident.

Have you have a scope of your upper? Sometimes they do a MRE or a pill cam to check for inflammation in the upper. I had a MRE, that was hard to get through while flaring!

suebear said...
My surgery was 2 hours from home. Went for a consultation and booked surgery for 2 weeks later. They had all my records prior to my appointment, no further tests or exams were needed. In order to save time they booked my EKG and chest xray with my regular doctor, I checked into the hospital one day prior to my surgery and had the other tests there. Easy peasy.

Sue

Hey Sue, did you go to Cleveland? And how is the J pouch holding up for you?

No, I did not go to the CC. I had my surgery in Los Angeles 14 years ago. All is well.

Sue

buckeyecrohnie said...
Yousee I think you are going to have to go a couple times before you go for surgery. My case was different to start because I was already admitted to the hospital when I had the first surgery. I think it would be helpful for you to take a family member or friend with you as everything can be overwhelming and you need another set of ears to help you catch everything. Also, just allow plenty of time so that you can stop if you need to. By some miracle, I only had to stop twice I the drive there. But I wasn't able to eat or drink very much before surgery. Let us know what you find out and try not to worry too much about all the details. I know that's easier said than done.

Thanks for your reply Buck, and I will be going with my girlfriend. I'm gonna attempt to lay in the backseat, laying down helps the urgencies if I find the right position. Hoping to have my first appointment set up tomorrow. Gotta figure out how to send all my medical records to them, I do have them handy though.