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small bowel resection recovery
I have been living with crohns for 11 years now, diagnosed when I was nine. I usually have great periods of remission where I am completely free from the disease. However, last May I had a terrible flare and have been fighting it since then until now. I had an awful summer full of pain, nausea, tests, and treatments ultimately leading me to a surgery I had done last Wednesday. I question is if there is anyone out there who had the same type surgery and what it was like post surgery. I had a small bowel resection in which they took out about 9 cm (the terminal ileum) and had it reconnected. Surgery went well, I am still in the hospital recovering. My concern is where I should be at in terms of pain and what not. I havepain at the incision sites but also have pain on the inside too. I also have diarrhea. Plus my stomach is very tender and tight and tense at one of the incisions. They say its common but I always worry that they are just trying to get me out of here quicker than I should. They say I can go on a regular diet but I do not think that is wise since I just had surgery a few days ago. I think it is best to let my intestines rest. Any other experiences that you can share would be greatly appreciated!!
Im only 17 years old and have spent the last year of my life in the hospital. i was diagnosed with crohns in october of 2010. I havent been without pain in over a year.
Im having a bowel resection done in three days and im absolutely terrified. Do any of you have any suggestions or tips to help me out with recovery and what not?
Im having a bowel resection done in three days and im absolutely terrified. Do any of you have any suggestions or tips to help me out with recovery and what not?
Had emergency surgery and end up with part of my ileum and cecum removed ans resection and mass removed and woke up to find this out they were going in to remove my appendix also that is how i found that i had crohn's. My recovery was long in the hospital for 5 weeks never ate any diet the put me on tpn went home with tpn and recovered 4 more weeks at home and tpn left in for 4 more weeks after.then slowly started to eat first clear liquid then liquid thn bland foods i took it slow.Healing time pain level and how fast you can eat solid food depends on each person.If you do not think you are ready to eat solid food do not tell your dr you are not ready listen to your body
My daughter is expected to have surgery in the next month after a sysmptom-free first year post-Crohn's diagnosis. She's 15, has an infection, and I think sees the resection as away to "start over" and respond better to (what we believe are) the psychic, spiritual AND nutritional needs of her body. She is definitely one of the 60% of Crohn's patients with anxiety, so we need to address that for instance. I am very interested in a possible Homeopathic approach but where we live (Upstate NY) I haven't found a Homeopath I like. Where is the practitioner you shared with us located?
I was diagnosed with Crohn's two years ago (I'm 29). I've had two bowel resections 18" and 8" with no flares inbetween - being faithful to prescribed medications and staying away from hard to digest foods; fresh fruits/veggies, nuts, whole grains, coconut, pinneapple, seeds, anything with a peeling or tough skin on it.
Obviously the traditional medical treatment of the "symptoms" of Crohn's is not working well. I found a homeopathic doctor who treats the "source" of Crohn's and IBS, which is often a long-lived intestinal infection, allergy, or parasite. One out of three humans have them! They live for years in your body and the medical world gives you the immune suppressants and acid reducing medicine to create a perfect environment for them to live.
Do some research on homeopathic certified doctors and applied kinesiology, otherwise known as Contact Reflex Analysis. My doc has a 95% success rate and has cured his brother of Crohn's, IBS, and a brain tumor. I'm willing to try his treatments for 2 to 6 months and see what happens. The body is a powerful fighting machine if you give it the right ammo.
Obviously the traditional medical treatment of the "symptoms" of Crohn's is not working well. I found a homeopathic doctor who treats the "source" of Crohn's and IBS, which is often a long-lived intestinal infection, allergy, or parasite. One out of three humans have them! They live for years in your body and the medical world gives you the immune suppressants and acid reducing medicine to create a perfect environment for them to live.
Do some research on homeopathic certified doctors and applied kinesiology, otherwise known as Contact Reflex Analysis. My doc has a 95% success rate and has cured his brother of Crohn's, IBS, and a brain tumor. I'm willing to try his treatments for 2 to 6 months and see what happens. The body is a powerful fighting machine if you give it the right ammo.
Hi I'm a 22 year old female and I was just diagnosed with crohns and ulcerative colitis a year ago this June and I'm already going in for a bowel ressection. I'm scared to death cuz I'm an over weight crohns patient who is taking remicade and that means I'm more pron to infections and my recovery time will be longer. My mom thinks this surgery is stupid and if I take my maylox that ill get better. But I'm seeing the best surgeon in Pittsburgh. I'm just scared I'm gonna die or have to have one of those bags on my side... so if anyone can tell me how they dealt with it id greatly appriciate it. Oh and did anyone else Also get the ankylosing spondylitis that comes along with crohns, cuz unfortunately I got blessed with it too..:(
Today is 1 month post-op for me for an ileocecal (about 1ft of small intestines and a few inches of colon) resection. I was diagnosed with Crohn's about 7 years ago (age 18), and have had an OK time since then (only 2 big flare-ups, but constant d'rea). My experience began on a friday with an upset stomach, and by Monday was in the ER with what turned out to be a small bowel obstruction. They tried to avoid surgery for a few days with steroids, which meant I couldn't eat anything, not even ice chips for a week! Thankfully, on Thursday they began TPN (IV nutrition) which at least gave me some energy. The surgeon was booked until Monday (a week after I was admitted). The day before the surgery, I began doing some internet research about the procedure - for some reason I thought it was a fairly minor procedure, but soon realized it was definitely a big deal, and spent quite some time praying beside my bed! This website really helped prepare me for what was ahead.
I had a laproscopic procedure, with 2 stomach "holes" and a 3" incision under my belly button. I don't remember much from the day of surgery except being instructed on pressing the morphine button, and saying to my dad (a minister) "this hurts like a mofo!" Hehe. The morphine really does help manage the pain, but does make the days and nights absolutely crawl by. They also gave me toradol, which helped in a big way. However, I began to lose blood the 2nd day, so they had to discontinue the toradol (it is a blood thinner). It took a day and night of 3 transfusions and a plasma transfusion before we were back on track. There was still a fair amount of discomfort, which turned to pain when I tried to move, but was able to go to a chair, and then walk by the 4th day. My walking looked like a neanderthal - hunched way over, leaning on my IV cart! This, together with the uncomfortable hospital bed, has led to a very sore back even now. The first few nights were difficult, as it was hard to sleep long beforeI would wake up and have to push the morphine button.
I did have a minor complication of "prolonged ileus," where my bowels didn't wake up 9 days! This led to some very painful bloating anytime I tried to drink anything, and made my stay at the hospital way longer. (16 days total). Thankfully, my work was understanding, and my wife and friends were there to help me pass the time. During this week after surgery they switched me from morphine to vicodin, which was much better, in my opinion - it lasted longer, and you have a much clearer mind.
Since leaving the hospital, the recovery has been much more dramatic. I feel like every day I get some strength back, though I get exhausted very quickly even now. It was probably 2 full weks before I was able to stand up straight, and I'm still working on standing up straight when I walk. As a former "stomach sleeper", it is annoying and uncomfortable to sleep on my sides, but as my stomach muscles continue to stretch out I've begun to be able to sleep on my back. However, the only pain I feel from the surgery is when I sneeze or cough, the rest is just discomfort. During the day, I'm able to act fairly normally, just sloooower.
It is definitely a major surgery, but be encouraged that it is a relatively short time in this long-lasting disease! Hopefully you have loving family, friends, and nurses to help you through the time, and I hope reading others' experiences are as useful for you as they were for me.
I had a laproscopic procedure, with 2 stomach "holes" and a 3" incision under my belly button. I don't remember much from the day of surgery except being instructed on pressing the morphine button, and saying to my dad (a minister) "this hurts like a mofo!" Hehe. The morphine really does help manage the pain, but does make the days and nights absolutely crawl by. They also gave me toradol, which helped in a big way. However, I began to lose blood the 2nd day, so they had to discontinue the toradol (it is a blood thinner). It took a day and night of 3 transfusions and a plasma transfusion before we were back on track. There was still a fair amount of discomfort, which turned to pain when I tried to move, but was able to go to a chair, and then walk by the 4th day. My walking looked like a neanderthal - hunched way over, leaning on my IV cart! This, together with the uncomfortable hospital bed, has led to a very sore back even now. The first few nights were difficult, as it was hard to sleep long beforeI would wake up and have to push the morphine button.
I did have a minor complication of "prolonged ileus," where my bowels didn't wake up 9 days! This led to some very painful bloating anytime I tried to drink anything, and made my stay at the hospital way longer. (16 days total). Thankfully, my work was understanding, and my wife and friends were there to help me pass the time. During this week after surgery they switched me from morphine to vicodin, which was much better, in my opinion - it lasted longer, and you have a much clearer mind.
Since leaving the hospital, the recovery has been much more dramatic. I feel like every day I get some strength back, though I get exhausted very quickly even now. It was probably 2 full weks before I was able to stand up straight, and I'm still working on standing up straight when I walk. As a former "stomach sleeper", it is annoying and uncomfortable to sleep on my sides, but as my stomach muscles continue to stretch out I've begun to be able to sleep on my back. However, the only pain I feel from the surgery is when I sneeze or cough, the rest is just discomfort. During the day, I'm able to act fairly normally, just sloooower.
It is definitely a major surgery, but be encouraged that it is a relatively short time in this long-lasting disease! Hopefully you have loving family, friends, and nurses to help you through the time, and I hope reading others' experiences are as useful for you as they were for me.
I had bowel resection as stated above in 2007. It was the small bowel at the illium and small amount of the large intestine.
The worst pain was about a week 1/2 after surgery when I had my first bowel movement. Thought I was going to die. However, it was fine after that.
I still have loose bowels and the dr says that is because it was the small intestine. I have found that if I eat lots of breakfast on the go and granola then I have more firm bowel movements.
Still go 3-5 times a day most times.
The worst pain was about a week 1/2 after surgery when I had my first bowel movement. Thought I was going to die. However, it was fine after that.
I still have loose bowels and the dr says that is because it was the small intestine. I have found that if I eat lots of breakfast on the go and granola then I have more firm bowel movements.
Still go 3-5 times a day most times.
I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at the tender age of 11. At the age of 34, just over a week ago, I had my first bowel resection. I was going through Remicade treatments when I started to develop severe pains near my appendix. After a few CT scans, my doctors informed me that the inflammation at my terminal illeum was also causing my appendix to be inflammed. I cannot go take prednisone (causes fluid to build up under my left retina making vision blurry), so they handed me the bowel resection "sentence". I knew I was going to have a resection eventually, and prepared myself as best I could pre-op. The surgery went smooth, all laproscopic. The day after surgery, I took a small walk down the hospital floor...and by walk I mean slow upright drag, clinging to the IV cart. Getting mobile right after surgery definitely increases your recovery time, and helps the trapped gases out. Each day I walked more, but carefully. Day 3 in the hospital was the worse. I started feeling sharp pains where they operated, and the pain meds were not helping. The pains progressively got worse until I was able to scamper into the restroom. Feeling like I was going to pass out from nausea and dizziness, I had a small bowel movement (diarrhea) followed by the best passing of gas in my 34 years. Recovery seemed to get a lot easier from there. I've been home now for 8 days. I have been maintaining a low residue diet (not going to 'normal eating habits' until I feel my insides are ready). The incision pains have been decreasing daily, and I only feel pain inside when I stretch or breathe deeply. I am off all pain meds and still resting as much as possible. Taking it slow and easy is the key. Do not sit up fast, do not walk fast, pace yourself. However, taking walks and being mobile is helping. I have diarrhea with gas about 4 times a day, but after 23 years with Crohn's, I'm used to it. They do say the diarrhea will end in a month or two...I can't wait. I am a firefighter and martial artist, so recovery and rest has been very difficult. Not being able to pick up my two year old daughter is tough, but she knows I have stomach boo-boo's. The best advice I have is to get moving the day after surgery, and increase the duration/length of your walk each day. Rest comfortably when you get home, but go for a walk a few times a day. Do not lift anything or strain to do anything. Do not (at least it works for me), go back in to normal eating habits/patterns. Keep the fluids up, and eat small amounts throughout the day. The low residue diet seems to be working for me, however, I cannot wait to be able to have a beer and a steak again someday.
I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at the tender age of 11. At the age of 34, just over a week ago, I had my first bowel resection. I was going through Remicade treatments when I started to develop severe pains near my appendix. After a few CT scans, my doctors informed me that the inflammation at my terminal illeum was also causing my appendix to be inflammed. I cannot go take prednisone (causes fluid to build up under my left retina making vision blurry), so they handed me the bowel resection "sentence". I knew I was going to have a resection eventually, and prepared myself as best I could pre-op. The surgery went smooth, all laproscopic. The day after surgery, I took a small walk down the hospital floor...and by walk I mean slow upright drag, clinging to the IV cart. Getting mobile right after surgery definitely increases your recovery time, and helps the trapped gases out. Each day I walked more, but carefully. Day 3 in the hospital was the worse. I started feeling sharp pains where they operated, and the pain meds were not helping. The pains progressively got worse until I was able to scamper into the restroom. Feeling like I was going to pass out from nausea and dizziness, I had a small bowel movement (diarrhea) followed by the best passing of gas in my 34 years. Recovery seemed to get a lot easier from there. I've been home now for 8 days. I have been maintaining a low residue diet (not going to 'normal eating habits' until I feel my insides are ready). The incision pains have been decreasing daily, and I only feel pain inside when I stretch or breathe deeply. I am off all pain meds and still resting as much as possible. Taking it slow and easy is the key. Do not sit up fast, do not walk fast, pace yourself. However, taking walks and being mobile is helping. I have diarrhea with gas about 4 times a day, but after 23 years with Crohn's, I'm used to it. They do say the diarrhea will end in a month or two...I can't wait. I am a firefighter and martial artist, so recovery and rest has been very difficult. Not being able to pick up my two year old daughter is tough, but she knows I have stomach boo-boo's. The best advice I have is to get moving the day after surgery, and increase the duration/length of your walk each day. Rest comfortably when you get home, but go for a walk a few times a day. Do not lift anything or strain to do anything. Do not (at least it works for me), go back in to normal eating habits/patterns. Keep the fluids up, and eat small amounts throughout the day. The low residue diet seems to be working for me, however, I cannot wait to be able to have a beer and a steak again someday.
I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at the tender age of 11. At the age of 34, just over a week ago, I had my first bowel resection. I was going through Remicade treatments when I started to develop severe pains near my appendix. After a few CT scans, my doctors informed me that the inflammation at my terminal illeum was also causing my appendix to be inflammed. I cannot go take prednisone (causes fluid to build up under my left retina making vision blurry), so they handed me the bowel resection "sentence". I knew I was going to have a resection eventually, and prepared myself as best I could pre-op. The surgery went smooth, all laproscopic. The day after surgery, I took a small walk down the hospital floor...and by walk I mean slow upright drag, clinging to the IV cart. Getting mobile right after surgery definitely increases your recovery time, and helps the trapped gases out. Each day I walked more, but carefully. Day 3 in the hospital was the worse. I started feeling sharp pains where they operated, and the pain meds were not helping. The pains progressively got worse until I was able to scamper into the restroom. Feeling like I was going to pass out from nausea and dizziness, I had a small bowel movement (diarrhea) followed by the best passing of gas in my 34 years. Recovery seemed to get a lot easier from there. I've been home now for 8 days. I have been maintaining a low residue diet (not going to 'normal eating habits' until I feel my insides are ready). The incision pains have been decreasing daily, and I only feel pain inside when I stretch or breathe deeply. I am off all pain meds and still resting as much as possible. Taking it slow and easy is the key. Do not sit up fast, do not walk fast, pace yourself. However, taking walks and being mobile is helping. I have diarrhea with gas about 4 times a day, but after 23 years with Crohn's, I'm used to it. They do say the diarrhea will end in a month or two...I can't wait. I am a firefighter and martial artist, so recovery and rest has been very difficult. Not being able to pick up my two year old daughter is tough, but she knows I have stomach boo-boo's. The best advice I have is to get moving the day after surgery, and increase the duration/length of your walk each day. Rest comfortably when you get home, but go for a walk a few times a day. Do not lift anything or strain to do anything. Do not (at least it works for me), go back in to normal eating habits/patterns. Keep the fluids up, and eat small amounts throughout the day. The low residue diet seems to be working for me, however, I cannot wait to be able to have a beer and a steak again someday.
I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at the tender age of 11. At the age of 34, just over a week ago, I had my first bowel resection. I was going through Remicade treatments when I started to develop severe pains near my appendix. After a few CT scans, my doctors informed me that the inflammation at my terminal illeum was also causing my appendix to be inflammed. I cannot go take prednisone (causes fluid to build up under my left retina making vision blurry), so they handed me the bowel resection "sentence". I knew I was going to have a resection eventually, and prepared myself as best I could pre-op. The surgery went smooth, all laproscopic. The day after surgery, I took a small walk down the hospital floor...and by walk I mean slow upright drag, clinging to the IV cart. Getting mobile right after surgery definitely increases your recovery time, and helps the trapped gases out. Each day I walked more, but carefully. Day 3 in the hospital was the worse. I started feeling sharp pains where they operated, and the pain meds were not helping. The pains progressively got worse until I was able to scamper into the restroom. Feeling like I was going to pass out from nausea and dizziness, I had a small bowel movement (diarrhea) followed by the best passing of gas in my 34 years. Recovery seemed to get a lot easier from there. I've been home now for 8 days. I have been maintaining a low residue diet (not going to 'normal eating habits' until I feel my insides are ready). The incision pains have been decreasing daily, and I only feel pain inside when I stretch or breathe deeply. I am off all pain meds and still resting as much as possible. Taking it slow and easy is the key. Do not sit up fast, do not walk fast, pace yourself. However, taking walks and being mobile is helping. I have diarrhea with gas about 4 times a day, but after 23 years with Crohn's, I'm used to it. They do say the diarrhea will end in a month or two...I can't wait. I am a firefighter and martial artist, so recovery and rest has been very difficult. Not being able to pick up my two year old daughter is tough, but she knows I have stomach boo-boo's. The best advice I have is to get moving the day after surgery, and increase the duration/length of your walk each day. Rest comfortably when you get home, but go for a walk a few times a day. Do not lift anything or strain to do anything. Do not (at least it works for me), go back in to normal eating habits/patterns. Keep the fluids up, and eat small amounts throughout the day. The low residue diet seems to be working for me, however, I cannot wait to be able to have a beer and a steak again someday.
I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at the tender age of 11. At the age of 34, just over a week ago, I had my first bowel resection. I was going through Remicade treatments when I started to develop severe pains near my appendix. After a few CT scans, my doctors informed me that the inflammation at my terminal illeum was also causing my appendix to be inflammed. I cannot go take prednisone (causes fluid to build up under my left retina making vision blurry), so they handed me the bowel resection "sentence". I knew I was going to have a resection eventually, and prepared myself as best I could pre-op. The surgery went smooth, all laproscopic. The day after surgery, I took a small walk down the hospital floor...and by walk I mean slow upright drag, clinging to the IV cart. Getting mobile right after surgery definitely increases your recovery time, and helps the trapped gases out. Each day I walked more, but carefully. Day 3 in the hospital was the worse. I started feeling sharp pains where they operated, and the pain meds were not helping. The pains progressively got worse until I was able to scamper into the restroom. Feeling like I was going to pass out from nausea and dizziness, I had a small bowel movement (diarrhea) followed by the best passing of gas in my 34 years. Recovery seemed to get a lot easier from there. I've been home now for 8 days. I have been maintaining a low residue diet (not going to 'normal eating habits' until I feel my insides are ready). The incision pains have been decreasing daily, and I only feel pain inside when I stretch or breathe deeply. I am off all pain meds and still resting as much as possible. Taking it slow and easy is the key. Do not sit up fast, do not walk fast, pace yourself. However, taking walks and being mobile is helping. I have diarrhea with gas about 4 times a day, but after 23 years with Crohn's, I'm used to it. They do say the diarrhea will end in a month or two...I can't wait. I am a firefighter and martial artist, so recovery and rest has been very difficult. Not being able to pick up my two year old daughter is tough, but she knows I have stomach boo-boo's. The best advice I have is to get moving the day after surgery, and increase the duration/length of your walk each day. Rest comfortably when you get home, but go for a walk a few times a day. Do not lift anything or strain to do anything. Do not (at least it works for me), go back in to normal eating habits/patterns. Keep the fluids up, and eat small amounts throughout the day. The low residue diet seems to be working for me, however, I cannot wait to be able to have a beer and a steak again someday.
I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at the tender age of 11. At the age of 34, just over a week ago, I had my first bowel resection. I was going through Remicade treatments when I started to develop severe pains near my appendix. After a few CT scans, my doctors informed me that the inflammation at my terminal illeum was also causing my appendix to be inflammed. I cannot go take prednisone (causes fluid to build up under my left retina making vision blurry), so they handed me the bowel resection "sentence". I knew I was going to have a resection eventually, and prepared myself as best I could pre-op. The surgery went smooth, all laproscopic. The day after surgery, I took a small walk down the hospital floor...and by walk I mean slow upright drag, clinging to the IV cart. Getting mobile right after surgery definitely increases your recovery time, and helps the trapped gases out. Each day I walked more, but carefully. Day 3 in the hospital was the worse. I started feeling sharp pains where they operated, and the pain meds were not helping. The pains progressively got worse until I was able to scamper into the restroom. Feeling like I was going to pass out from nausea and dizziness, I had a small bowel movement (diarrhea) followed by the best passing of gas in my 34 years. Recovery seemed to get a lot easier from there. I've been home now for 8 days. I have been maintaining a low residue diet (not going to 'normal eating habits' until I feel my insides are ready). The incision pains have been decreasing daily, and I only feel pain inside when I stretch or breathe deeply. I am off all pain meds and still resting as much as possible. Taking it slow and easy is the key. Do not sit up fast, do not walk fast, pace yourself. However, taking walks and being mobile is helping. I have diarrhea with gas about 4 times a day, but after 23 years with Crohn's, I'm used to it. They do say the diarrhea will end in a month or two...I can't wait. I am a firefighter and martial artist, so recovery and rest has been very difficult. Not being able to pick up my two year old daughter is tough, but she knows I have stomach boo-boo's. The best advice I have is to get moving the day after surgery, and increase the duration/length of your walk each day. Rest comfortably when you get home, but go for a walk a few times a day. Do not lift anything or strain to do anything. Do not (at least it works for me), go back in to normal eating habits/patterns. Keep the fluids up, and eat small amounts throughout the day. The low residue diet seems to be working for me, however, I cannot wait to be able to have a beer and a steak again someday.
I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at the tender age of 11. At the age of 34, just over a week ago, I had my first bowel resection. I was going through Remicade treatments when I started to develop severe pains near my appendix. After a few CT scans, my doctors informed me that the inflammation at my terminal illeum was also causing my appendix to be inflammed. I cannot go take prednisone (causes fluid to build up under my left retina making vision blurry), so they handed me the bowel resection "sentence". I knew I was going to have a resection eventually, and prepared myself as best I could pre-op. The surgery went smooth, all laproscopic. The day after surgery, I took a small walk down the hospital floor...and by walk I mean slow upright drag, clinging to the IV cart. Getting mobile right after surgery definitely increases your recovery time, and helps the trapped gases out. Each day I walked more, but carefully. Day 3 in the hospital was the worse. I started feeling sharp pains where they operated, and the pain meds were not helping. The pains progressively got worse until I was able to scamper into the restroom. Feeling like I was going to pass out from nausea and dizziness, I had a small bowel movement (diarrhea) followed by the best passing of gas in my 34 years. Recovery seemed to get a lot easier from there. I've been home now for 8 days. I have been maintaining a low residue diet (not going to 'normal eating habits' until I feel my insides are ready). The incision pains have been decreasing daily, and I only feel pain inside when I stretch or breathe deeply. I am off all pain meds and still resting as much as possible. Taking it slow and easy is the key. Do not sit up fast, do not walk fast, pace yourself. However, taking walks and being mobile is helping. I have diarrhea with gas about 4 times a day, but after 23 years with Crohn's, I'm used to it. They do say the diarrhea will end in a month or two...I can't wait. I am a firefighter and martial artist, so recovery and rest has been very difficult. Not being able to pick up my two year old daughter is tough, but she knows I have stomach boo-boo's. The best advice I have is to get moving the day after surgery, and increase the duration/length of your walk each day. Rest comfortably when you get home, but go for a walk a few times a day. Do not lift anything or strain to do anything. Do not (at least it works for me), go back in to normal eating habits/patterns. Keep the fluids up, and eat small amounts throughout the day. The low residue diet seems to be working for me, however, I cannot wait to be able to have a beer and a steak again someday.
I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at the tender age of 11. At the age of 34, just over a week ago, I had my first bowel resection. I was going through Remicade treatments when I started to develop severe pains near my appendix. After a few CT scans, my doctors informed me that the inflammation at my terminal illeum was also causing my appendix to be inflammed. I cannot go take prednisone (causes fluid to build up under my left retina making vision blurry), so they handed me the bowel resection "sentence". I knew I was going to have a resection eventually, and prepared myself as best I could pre-op. The surgery went smooth, all laproscopic. The day after surgery, I took a small walk down the hospital floor...and by walk I mean slow upright drag, clinging to the IV cart. Getting mobile right after surgery definitely increases your recovery time, and helps the trapped gases out. Each day I walked more, but carefully. Day 3 in the hospital was the worse. I started feeling sharp pains where they operated, and the pain meds were not helping. The pains progressively got worse until I was able to scamper into the restroom. Feeling like I was going to pass out from nausea and dizziness, I had a small bowel movement (diarrhea) followed by the best passing of gas in my 34 years. Recovery seemed to get a lot easier from there. I've been home now for 8 days. I have been maintaining a low residue diet (not going to 'normal eating habits' until I feel my insides are ready). The incision pains have been decreasing daily, and I only feel pain inside when I stretch or breathe deeply. I am off all pain meds and still resting as much as possible. Taking it slow and easy is the key. Do not sit up fast, do not walk fast, pace yourself. However, taking walks and being mobile is helping. I have diarrhea with gas about 4 times a day, but after 23 years with Crohn's, I'm used to it. They do say the diarrhea will end in a month or two...I can't wait. I am a firefighter and martial artist, so recovery and rest has been very difficult. Not being able to pick up my two year old daughter is tough, but she knows I have stomach boo-boo's. The best advice I have is to get moving the day after surgery, and increase the duration/length of your walk each day. Rest comfortably when you get home, but go for a walk a few times a day. Do not lift anything or strain to do anything. Do not (at least it works for me), go back in to normal eating habits/patterns. Keep the fluids up, and eat small amounts throughout the day. The low residue diet seems to be working for me, however, I cannot wait to be able to have a beer and a steak again someday.
I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at the tender age of 11. At the age of 34, just over a week ago, I had my first bowel resection. I was going through Remicade treatments when I started to develop severe pains near my appendix. After a few CT scans, my doctors informed me that the inflammation at my terminal illeum was also causing my appendix to be inflammed. I cannot go take prednisone (causes fluid to build up under my left retina making vision blurry), so they handed me the bowel resection "sentence". I knew I was going to have a resection eventually, and prepared myself as best I could pre-op. The surgery went smooth, all laproscopic. The day after surgery, I took a small walk down the hospital floor...and by walk I mean slow upright drag, clinging to the IV cart. Getting mobile right after surgery definitely increases your recovery time, and helps the trapped gases out. Each day I walked more, but carefully. Day 3 in the hospital was the worse. I started feeling sharp pains where they operated, and the pain meds were not helping. The pains progressively got worse until I was able to scamper into the restroom. Feeling like I was going to pass out from nausea and dizziness, I had a small bowel movement (diarrhea) followed by the best passing of gas in my 34 years. Recovery seemed to get a lot easier from there. I've been home now for 8 days. I have been maintaining a low residue diet (not going to 'normal eating habits' until I feel my insides are ready). The incision pains have been decreasing daily, and I only feel pain inside when I stretch or breathe deeply. I am off all pain meds and still resting as much as possible. Taking it slow and easy is the key. Do not sit up fast, do not walk fast, pace yourself. However, taking walks and being mobile is helping. I have diarrhea with gas about 4 times a day, but after 23 years with Crohn's, I'm used to it. They do say the diarrhea will end in a month or two...I can't wait. I am a firefighter and martial artist, so recovery and rest has been very difficult. Not being able to pick up my two year old daughter is tough, but she knows I have stomach boo-boo's. The best advice I have is to get moving the day after surgery, and increase the duration/length of your walk each day. Rest comfortably when you get home, but go for a walk a few times a day. Do not lift anything or strain to do anything. Do not (at least it works for me), go back in to normal eating habits/patterns. Keep the fluids up, and eat small amounts throughout the day. The low residue diet seems to be working for me, however, I cannot wait to be able to have a beer and a steak again someday.
I had right lower haemecolectomy (chopping a bit of bowel out) in summer 2004 (aged 14). Unfortunately after trying adalimumab (humira) and infliximab (remicade) I developed huge pain in my bowel which led to surgery again. I had my bowel resection on may 6th 2009 (aged 18). I was in hospital for about 5 days and was able to be quite mobile on the 7th day. The longest part of this whole procedure was waiting for your bowels to start moving after the op. Once they are 'in motion' then it's smooth sailing from there essentially. Now (june 2nd) i took a holiday to visit some friends in israel (from U.K) and am able to carry luggage and travel around places without feeling too limited. The general consensus from doctors is that I'm 'pushing myself' but I believe moderate pushing assists recovery.
One thing to consider is that (if you don't have a laproscopic - i didn't have it so i'm not sure) all your stomach muscles are sliced open and stitched back together. Your ability to move is seriously affected - that includes sitting up and walking around. You really have to let other people do things for you and not to offer help to people (lifting, carrying, moving etc.).
Also as a crohn's sufferer i have been used to diarrhea; therefore drinking lots of water is essential. However the bowel (to this day) hasn't recovered fully enough to absorb water properly at this stage. I've had the most intense headrushes since then - one of which led to me fainting. I have to make sure I constantly have lots of water with me.
Don't attempt any rich/strong flavours too soon after surgery, after my first op they fed me 'cream of chicken soup' which I was tasting for days after.
When i started moving around a bit more at home (about 10 days post op) i started cooking a lot (i've been trained as a chef) - i cooked for my family 5 days a week. I think this was really helpful; it was a good amount of exercise without being too strenuous. Also what helps is that you'll be eating what you want to eat - I had a very particular palate immediately post op.
can't think of anyhting else to say but hopefully this will help someone who's about to have bowel surgery
One thing to consider is that (if you don't have a laproscopic - i didn't have it so i'm not sure) all your stomach muscles are sliced open and stitched back together. Your ability to move is seriously affected - that includes sitting up and walking around. You really have to let other people do things for you and not to offer help to people (lifting, carrying, moving etc.).
Also as a crohn's sufferer i have been used to diarrhea; therefore drinking lots of water is essential. However the bowel (to this day) hasn't recovered fully enough to absorb water properly at this stage. I've had the most intense headrushes since then - one of which led to me fainting. I have to make sure I constantly have lots of water with me.
Don't attempt any rich/strong flavours too soon after surgery, after my first op they fed me 'cream of chicken soup' which I was tasting for days after.
When i started moving around a bit more at home (about 10 days post op) i started cooking a lot (i've been trained as a chef) - i cooked for my family 5 days a week. I think this was really helpful; it was a good amount of exercise without being too strenuous. Also what helps is that you'll be eating what you want to eat - I had a very particular palate immediately post op.
can't think of anyhting else to say but hopefully this will help someone who's about to have bowel surgery
I had bowel resection in July of 07. I was diagnosed with Chrons about a year or 2 before that. however, my symptoms started in 2000. I did fine for a long time then in Nov 06 I had pain that made me fall out of the chair to the floor. After that kept having flare ups. In Feb 07 I started on Remicade and it did wonders. Then in late April had bladder infection and after much testing found out that I had fistula and surgery was scheduled. Had the greatest surgeon and he was able to do the surgery by lap with hand assist. About 3 feet of small intestine was removed and small amount of large intestine. He found 2 fistula, 1 to the bladder and the other to the large intestine. Even though I had the surgery by lapo I had 2 have 2 units of blood and was in the hospital a week. I was very lucky that I had the fistula which caused the surgery because the found cancer in the small intestine that was massed together. They found it so early that I didn't have to have any chemo or other treatment, just see the onocolgist every 3 months, will start every 4 after next visit. I had no food for most of the week I was in the hospital but 2 days before I was release got clear liquid and then liquids the next day. Boy did that potato soup taste good. I was able to eat after I was released from the hopsital. My surgeon was so good as I said. I was able to go back to work 2 weeks after my surgery. Did great and haven't had a flare up since. I had a scope done in Oct after my surgery and the gastro dr thought he found polyps but they were not and will have another scope, requested by the oncologist, in Jan.
I was older when I got chrons unlike most of you. If you are having lots of flare ups I would ask my Dr. about Remicade. It is given by IV and you would have to take it the rest of your life probably. but it definately made me feel better.
I do have diarrhea and guess that is part of chrons. Sometime my bm is normal and sometimes I have diarrhea.
Please if you are having surgery, don't just go to the surgeon that your dr recommends. Check the bariatric surgeons out and get the best you can find.
Hope all of you have a great year.
coughing
I was older when I got chrons unlike most of you. If you are having lots of flare ups I would ask my Dr. about Remicade. It is given by IV and you would have to take it the rest of your life probably. but it definately made me feel better.
I do have diarrhea and guess that is part of chrons. Sometime my bm is normal and sometimes I have diarrhea.
Please if you are having surgery, don't just go to the surgeon that your dr recommends. Check the bariatric surgeons out and get the best you can find.
Hope all of you have a great year.
coughing
Hiya Liz,
thanks very much for your comments it really has been helpful!
i have never seen a gastro before and it is certainly someone who i think i need to see. i went to the doctors the other week and asked if they could test me for chrons so am awating some blood tests etc.
i will ask when i attend the surgery about seeing a gastro doctor.
many thanks again
maria
x
thanks very much for your comments it really has been helpful!
i have never seen a gastro before and it is certainly someone who i think i need to see. i went to the doctors the other week and asked if they could test me for chrons so am awating some blood tests etc.
i will ask when i attend the surgery about seeing a gastro doctor.
many thanks again
maria
x
I was discharged from hospital earlier this week. Had a nasty flare-up, I was fine in morning got up had coffee, attended bunch of meetings, did work in the afternoon, and by 3 pm I was feeling sick, by 4 pm I was throwing up violently and by 10 pm I was admitted in the hospital. Worse part of it is drinking contrast for CT SCAN, best part of it is the morphine.
Well, I have a partial bowel obstruction in the small bowels. The surgical team was on consult, but eventually they decided not to do surgery and released me after 4 days of IV, steroids, and antiboitics. Now, I am on pred, and I am rapidly tapering down. I am feeling lot better. But surgery is in the banks for me sometime in the future and I am not looking forward to it.
Those of you had surgery (bowel resection) can you tell me what your post-operative experience has been. Particularly how long you have been on remission. If I get good 5-7 years I will be thrilled with it. Look forward to your response and support.
Thanks
Well, I have a partial bowel obstruction in the small bowels. The surgical team was on consult, but eventually they decided not to do surgery and released me after 4 days of IV, steroids, and antiboitics. Now, I am on pred, and I am rapidly tapering down. I am feeling lot better. But surgery is in the banks for me sometime in the future and I am not looking forward to it.
Those of you had surgery (bowel resection) can you tell me what your post-operative experience has been. Particularly how long you have been on remission. If I get good 5-7 years I will be thrilled with it. Look forward to your response and support.
Thanks
Hi Maria and welcome to the forum.
Your symptoms could be as a result of a number of different diseases and really needs evaluating and testing by a gastroenterologist. Unfortunately you are in the right age group for Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis....I was 24 yrs old when diagnosed, but some 40 yrs later, still here and enjoying life. The diarrhea is under control, as is the lower abdominal pain, although I am currently having problems with eating, so on an elemental diet (Fortijuice) for the time being.
You should not have to suffer as you are doing...once you have a proper diagnosis and appropriate medications, you will get your life back to the "new normal". Unfortunately IBD is not curable, but treatable and something we do learn to live with.
Take care....and see a gastro!
Liz.
Your symptoms could be as a result of a number of different diseases and really needs evaluating and testing by a gastroenterologist. Unfortunately you are in the right age group for Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis....I was 24 yrs old when diagnosed, but some 40 yrs later, still here and enjoying life. The diarrhea is under control, as is the lower abdominal pain, although I am currently having problems with eating, so on an elemental diet (Fortijuice) for the time being.
You should not have to suffer as you are doing...once you have a proper diagnosis and appropriate medications, you will get your life back to the "new normal". Unfortunately IBD is not curable, but treatable and something we do learn to live with.
Take care....and see a gastro!
Liz.
Hiya,
i had a bowel ressection last year due to an accident in surgery which left me with scepticemia and absesses i was very sick. it has almost been a year now and i feel like my life has totally changed i am a 22 year old young girl and i have to plan my life around a toilet! they kept telling me that it would get better but it has not changed at all.
i was wondereing if anyone could help me as i have a friend who has crohns and i have all the symptoms that he has i am permantley in pain with my stomach and feeling sick and constanly needing the loo all the time and i can't eat this and that and am so weak all the time.
i have just gone back to work full time and can't believe how tired i am!
can anyone help?
i had a bowel ressection last year due to an accident in surgery which left me with scepticemia and absesses i was very sick. it has almost been a year now and i feel like my life has totally changed i am a 22 year old young girl and i have to plan my life around a toilet! they kept telling me that it would get better but it has not changed at all.
i was wondereing if anyone could help me as i have a friend who has crohns and i have all the symptoms that he has i am permantley in pain with my stomach and feeling sick and constanly needing the loo all the time and i can't eat this and that and am so weak all the time.
i have just gone back to work full time and can't believe how tired i am!
can anyone help?
try QUESTRAN for post-op diarreah. It worked for me for a while. I had bowel resection almost 10 years ago. Unrelenting diarreah would not stop, but the questran stopped it right away. After a few years, I got off of it gradually. I may need another resection now. Very scared this time though. No I am 30, on my own, run my own business, so it will be very hard to do this all alone....
I forgot two things:
diet: they had me on clear liquids two days, and then suddenly gave me a dinner of pork loin, a potato, and spinach! I refused to eat it, because it didn't seem right so soon after my surgery. Turns out the food service had made a mistake and I was supposed to have softer food, but I did start eating solid foods the third day (even a veggie lasagna with carrots and spinach in it; I felt so naughty and was apprehensive eating it, because I couldn't have tolerated it before the surgery, but it went through fine). I was amazed how soon they had me eating, and- like you- I didn't trust it. I think I'd become so used to being careful with my diet that I couldn't believe I can eat some of those things again. I'm still having trouble with the idea of eating all that stuff again; I mean, how can a stapled-back-together-again-only-a-week-ago bowel be able to pass solid food and roughage so quickly? It doesn't make sense to me, but it seems it is possible. After I got out of the hospital, I took a few days of bowel rest on my own, and just drank Ensure and liquids with a little toast. It made me feel better and seemed more appropriate to help the healing. I had less pain inside when I did that, too. I'm eating more now, but still smaller portions because I don't feel very hungry (which is incredible, because I'm usually always hungry; I'm one of those people who didn't lose weight with Crohn's, much to my dismay; I actually gained weight except during blockages).
stools: I haven't had loose ones. Mine have been really really hard and sometimes very painful, and I've been constipated. However, I never had much diarrhea with my Crohn's, just constipation. Maybe how ever your disease manifests is how it will manifest post-op?
diet: they had me on clear liquids two days, and then suddenly gave me a dinner of pork loin, a potato, and spinach! I refused to eat it, because it didn't seem right so soon after my surgery. Turns out the food service had made a mistake and I was supposed to have softer food, but I did start eating solid foods the third day (even a veggie lasagna with carrots and spinach in it; I felt so naughty and was apprehensive eating it, because I couldn't have tolerated it before the surgery, but it went through fine). I was amazed how soon they had me eating, and- like you- I didn't trust it. I think I'd become so used to being careful with my diet that I couldn't believe I can eat some of those things again. I'm still having trouble with the idea of eating all that stuff again; I mean, how can a stapled-back-together-again-only-a-week-ago bowel be able to pass solid food and roughage so quickly? It doesn't make sense to me, but it seems it is possible. After I got out of the hospital, I took a few days of bowel rest on my own, and just drank Ensure and liquids with a little toast. It made me feel better and seemed more appropriate to help the healing. I had less pain inside when I did that, too. I'm eating more now, but still smaller portions because I don't feel very hungry (which is incredible, because I'm usually always hungry; I'm one of those people who didn't lose weight with Crohn's, much to my dismay; I actually gained weight except during blockages).
stools: I haven't had loose ones. Mine have been really really hard and sometimes very painful, and I've been constipated. However, I never had much diarrhea with my Crohn's, just constipation. Maybe how ever your disease manifests is how it will manifest post-op?
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