Hello Everyone!
This is my first visit to this forum but hopefully not my last. I'll give you a brief history of my illness and then maybe ask a few questions if that's ok? I have been diagnosed with Crohn's for over 20 years with what I would consider mild complications. I have been able to keep it under control for the most part with medication. Several weeks ago I was diagnosed with a stricture in my decending colon. After several visits to the MD it was determined that the stricture had to be removed. I went in the hospital on 10/14/05 and had my 1st surgery on 10/20/05. At that time the Surgeon removed about 1-1/2 feet of diseased tissue. 3 days later I had complications and it was found that there was a leak in the colon causing excess gas in my abdominal cavity. I was taken for my second surgery on 10/23/05 where all but about 1-1/2 foot of collon was removed. The Surgeon said that she thought the portion removed the second time might be saved but she was wrong. I was also left with a temporary ileostomy that will be reversed in 3 months.
Ok, so I'm home now and not feeling too bad. Not at 100%, but not all that bad either. Has anyone undergone anything similar to this? My big question is what will life be like after the reversal of the ileostomy and my plumbing is reconnected. I work as a paramedic and I'm wondering if I will be able to continue in that career. If anyone had any stories to share I would much appreciate it and I plan to be an active member of this forum.
I have also posted this same thread under the Crohn's forum because I find both forums relate to my situation right now. Hope that's ok.