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Questions for GI on Surgery

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/3/2010 2:02 PM (GMT 0)
I have an appt tomorrow morning with my GI and I plan on discussing surgery.  I'm heavily leaning towards doing the surgery at the end of the year.  What are some questions I should ask my GI?  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks...
Posted 6/3/2010 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
I think the only question to ask your GI is for a referral to the best CR surgeon in your area. Your questions regarding surgery should be saved for your surgeon at a consult.

Sue
Posted 6/3/2010 2:44 PM (GMT 0)
Suebear,

With your position as an expertise on the forum, I would like your personal opinion on my situation.

I am 32, diagnosed in 2002.  I've been on and off prednisone up until last September when I got off for good.  I've had two remissions both lasting about a year and a half, but have been in a flare for 2 straight years.  After getting off prednisone last September, I've lost 30lbs.  I'm currently taking colazal 9 times/day and canasa 3-4 nights/week.  I have a little girl who's 2 years old.  My wife and I were planning on trying for #2 but now that might be delayed with me doing the surgery.  Basically, if I don't do the surgery this year it will be probably 3-4 years down the road for me.  I think I qualify, just confused....

Posted 6/3/2010 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
According to my surgeon, the #1 reason for surgery is to improve quality of life. If you feel UC has compromised your quality of life then by all means pursue it. My GI never told me that quality of life was even an issue. So, I gave up 2 years of my life thinking that I would improve. However, I was steroid dependent and failed all medical attempts and alternative attempts to gain remission. Making the choice for elective surgery is difficult for all of us who had to go this route. But it is your choice, not your GIs.

Sue
Posted 6/3/2010 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Suebear.  I guess my GI has more of my trust since I'v been with him for 8 years and I would hope he would give me the right kind of advice...
Posted 6/3/2010 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
If you think surgery is right for you, then it is! Its not the doctors decision!
My son was two when i had surgery and im so glad cause i had already missed so much of his life.
And like she said, the questions should be asked to the surgeon, the GI's dont know nearly as much about it
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