HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Colonoscopy today - time for surgery

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/13/2011 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
I had a c-scope done by my surgeon today and things still don't look any better. She only went in on the left side for a bit because she said she had seen all that she needed to see.

Looks like it is surgery time for me. I am a bit freaked out because I thought things were getting better. My symptoms have improved, but apparently, my colon has not.

Surgery is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 9.

Yikes!
Posted 10/13/2011 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
Wow....I'd say yikes as well. But, seems it's been on the table a while with no improvement.
I would be scared but looking forward to an improved quality of life.

Nov 9....it just might be the perfect happy new year for you!

q
Posted 10/13/2011 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
I'm interested to know, what are your symptoms like?
Posted 10/13/2011 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry it boiled down to surgery for you. I know how you are feeling right now...it's still fresh in my head. Just try to focus on the positives- No more UC, no more drugs, no more wondering when the next flare will come, and you will be able to enjoy eating again without diet restrictions. The list of positives goes on. If there is anything I can answer for you, please feel free to ask.
Posted 10/13/2011 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
texas - currently I am going 7-10x per day with all formed BM's. I still have significant urgency often. On occasion I still see some blood though not much. I still have some pain after large BM's, but otherwise not. I never had much pain anyway. This is down from 12-20x per day including bleeding, pus, mucous and a mix of stool formation.

Marianne - thank you for your support. I am a bit overwhelmed at the moment, but I am sure I will have questions.

Q - Thanks, that is exactly how I am trying to look at it. I was ready for this a few weeks ago when I wasn't feeling well, was even excited for it, but since I started to feel better, I started to have hope again that I would be able to avoid surgery.

I meet with the surgeon again on Tuesday and will get more info from her. I had sedation today so I am a little blurry on the details of what she said.
Posted 10/13/2011 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
mom2panda, you're not alone! I'm in the exact same place as you, but moving forward more slowly- I don't even meet with the surgeon 'til November 8th! Granted, this will be the 2nd time we've met, so it's not like I'm at square one. My symptoms mirror yours- lots of formed bm's per day, absolutely zero bowel control.... not much blood these days, but apparently that makes no diff! And my colon is still a mess too, even though I thought things were heading upwards. We're even the same age, I'm 41. Sigh... try not to stress too much, just go with it... that's how I'm handling my days, not even giving it much thought, just riding it out. I have been planning, talked with HR at work, talked with my supervisor, etc. But... not thinking about the actual surgery too much! Do you want to go thru with it at this point? Did your GI bring up colon cancer? I had a great visit with my GI last week, just going over the recent scope, my surgery fears, the plus sides of it too... He basically told me "Look, you know you have problems now- the possible problems you're worrying about with an ileo shouldn't even be an issue. You should do fine with this surgery." I know he's right, but...!!! Anyway, hang in there- one way or another, things will work out soon. Please keep posting!
Posted 10/13/2011 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
Goodluck panda. I know it's scary but in reality, you will feel much better afterwards.
Posted 10/14/2011 12:09 AM (GMT 0)
Best of luck!
Posted 10/14/2011 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, best of luck, and let us know how it goes!
Posted 10/14/2011 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, all my best also. I understand all the thoughts that must be going through your head.....
Posted 10/14/2011 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Forgot to update my signature...
Posted 10/14/2011 4:04 AM (GMT 0)
Best of luck... but i really wish you would reconsider and try seeking help via alternative medicine, they get to the absolute route of the problem and can help!
Posted 10/14/2011 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
mom2panda, if you think that your quality of life would improve with surgery, then i say go for it. feeling miserable all the time isn't worth it and trying tons of medications can be so hard on you physically and mentally. i really hope it works out for you.
Posted 10/14/2011 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck. I hope all will go smooth and you'll have your life back.
Posted 10/14/2011 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. I am pretty scared about the whole thing, but I feel satisfied that I have tried pretty much everything and not one single thing helps - medication or alternatives.

stereofidelic89 - I have tried a number of alternatives and nothing has worked or even put a dent it my symptoms -other than the antibiotic therapy, but obviously it didn't work enough.

I have pretty much been in the same flare since diagnosis 2 years ago. My only relief was with high doses of pred. Without pred, I am sick. It is as simple as that.

As Eva said, I am trying to think of the positives about getting my life back, and being able to be there for my kids and family more.
Posted 10/14/2011 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
sorry you have to go through all of this, but you will get your life back. I wish you a speedy recovery.

take care!
Posted 10/14/2011 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
I am sorry the remicade hasn't worked for you and you have to have surgery.  I know you are scared but I think once you recover you will be glad you did it.  Also, I would be glad I wasn't on meds that can cause horrible side effects. While remicade has helped me I would be glad to be off of it and not have to be on any scarey meds again.  Keep us posted and I wish you the best and a speedy recovery. tongue
Posted 10/15/2011 2:29 AM (GMT 0)
TRY LDN BEFORE YOU HAVE SURGERY.


Seriously.
Posted 10/15/2011 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
I am40 female and feel like I might be headed to surgery too, once I taper. Waiting on my 4remicade dose, but had a bad flare after my first and second so I don,t think it's working. Plus remicade scares me. What have peoples experiences been with Remicade?
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply