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Surgery and then... new illnesses?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/21/2010 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

May sound like an odd question and one my GI said he couldn't answer.... I was wondering, as UC is the immune system attacking the colon, has anyone here had the surgery and then found that the immune system has started attacking another part of the body? Before I got UC, I once had iritis (attacking the iris) and have got some vitiligo on skin. Has anyone any experience of any other immune problems after surgery?? Thanks all!
Posted 2/21/2010 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
I would think that once the body's autoimmune system is wonky, other issues can pop up if distressed.

I have UC-related liver disease, and my thoughts (hopes?) are that if my colon is calm, the liver will be as well. I do know that if my colon were to be removed, I will still have the PSC, but it could still go into an active state possibly if my body ends up in a distressed state.

There are connections of autoimmune disease with Vitiligo....who knows the extent of what yours will end up, but maybe calming one area may calm another.

If I were in a state of distress from my colon and had to deal with other stuff, I'd have my colon out for sure.

q
Posted 2/21/2010 9:42 PM (GMT 0)
It has always been my understanding that if you have UC and have your colon removed other disorders associated with UC would also go away, such as joint pain. Though I guess any permanent damage is not irreversible. Isn't that why surgery is considered a "cure" for UC? I am no expert but that is my understanding.
Posted 2/21/2010 11:01 PM (GMT 0)

Some continue to suffer UC manifestations post surgery, others don't.  However, even those that do have other problems say that life is still way better post UC.  I had surgery 9 years ago and other then a short bout of dry eye I have never had another inflammatory problem.

Sue

Posted 2/22/2010 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
ugh i hope i have no other problems.

the day after i tapered off prednisone in january though i developed a low-grade staph infection in my eyes. sounds worse than it was and it went away quickly with eye drops, but obviously unexpected
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