at his recent appointment with his GE specialist surgery was recommended to sort out all the problems he has had with a stricture. He is reluctant but would consider keyhole surgery. Has anyone had keyhole resection with Crohns? As he has had previous surgery it may not be possible because of scarring. Does anyone know if the surgeon would then continue with open surgery? Also any experience of recovery time etc?
Ive had 3 resection a due to stricturing. The first was open surgery, the second two were keyhole. All really helped and the keyhole is definitely easier on the scarring and healing post op. There is always a risk with keyhole that it will end up open surgery, but I guess I was prepared to take the risk as I've had open before. Recovery time is about 6 weeks, the first two being the hardest. Hope that helps.
Whatever you decide I wish you all the very best....
Hannah
I have a structure narrowing what ever you want to call it this was found out as I was having pains more and more regularly although having no time of work. I had a colonoscopy which picked up my narrowing I had an oppointment with a surgeon who suggested that as the pain had settled and my weight was stable that I tried different medication but he would operate if I wanted to go ahead but I'm amazed you were told it would be a keyhole job it's a massive operation verging on major surgery I've been opened up before so it's never as straight forward I would say at least 3 months tbh I changed my tablets and I feel 95 % better pain wise Prehaps in your case surgery is the only option ?? If you want anymore advise please post again Jon
Thank you for that Hannah, good to know. I just hope he will agree to surgery as his life at the moment is really miserable, feeling sick, lots of pain, constant tiredness etc. He may be reluctant if there's no guarantee it will be keyhole. Just hope I or the surgeon can persuade him and he doesn't have to wait ages!
Thanks for that Jon. He's tried steroids and Azathioprine which haven't made any difference. I think consultant thinks it the only option now. I don't understand why he hasn't been told this before as its been 20 years since his first op.
I was on azathapine now on a similar drug in the same family if you know what I mean ? My specialist has told me if these don't or stop being affective then I'm at the end of the road and if I'm taken into hospital then operating would be the only option. I don't see that he has any choice tbh I would defiantly go for it the alternative is to carry on in pain. The first couple of weeks after are tough but he will have good pain relief and will soon get stronger .
I don't know if he's tried it before or even if he would give it a go..... But there's always a liquid diet (Modulen IBD powder that you mix up yourself). It would at least give him the benefit of nutrition without demanding too much of the bowel. If nothing else, it might give him a rest from the pain of having to digest food.
Just thought I'd mention it as the doctors tend to overlook it as an option.
Good luck..... Really hope he feels better soon.
Hannah