This forum is an un-mediated, patient-to-patient forum for questions and support regarding
Crohn’s Disease and
Ulcerative Colitis issues such as: Abdominal Pain, Arthritis, Bleeding (Rectal), Blockage (Intestinal), Delayed Development (Children), Diagnosis, Diarrhea, Fissures, Gall Stones, Growth - Stunted (Children),
Kidney Stones, Living With and Managing Crohn’s, Malnutrition, Medications – Drugs, Nutrition, Pregnancy, Protein Deficiency, Research, Skin Problems, Stress, Surgery, Symptoms, Tests, Treatments, Ulcerations – Sores, Weight Loss
I have a wonderful, very intelligent and up to date gastroenterologist who has taken care of me for the last 7 years, but he had to refer me to a surgical gastro for his opinion. He agreed that I needed surgery as no medication can make the strictures go away. That was 4 months ago, and I am just recovering...still got severe pain early morning before having a movement, and most days, explosive watery diarrhea, so I am wondering if the surgery was worth all the discomfort. I do think though, if I had refused surgery, the strictures would have eventually burst, which could be life threatening.
Can you get a referral to a surgical gastro? He can look at all your tests and make his own expert opinion.
Be proactive - 6 weeks is a long time to wait for answers when you are in pain.
Take care,
Liz.