Hello....
I've read a few posts doing a search on scar tissue and I realize I am very blessed...but I feel that my luck may be running out.
I was diagnosed in 1988 at the age of 26, after having D for several weeks that didn't respond to anything and losing 20 pounds. Had colonoscopy and endoscopy and could hear thru my drugged state the Drs calling in residents to check out my films b/c I was one for the textbooks: had Crohn's in colon, ileum, AND stomach!
Took prednisone for years. Had two successful pregnancies (although hospitalized for IV steroids to prevent early delivery). Breastfed both babies (now 20 & 16). Had flares several times a year, but knew how to handle with diet and meds.
Last few years, I went off all medications, went natural....bought prednisolone to use for very mild flares.
But 3 years ago had serious enough flare to go back to Gastro doc (my original from 21 yrs ago who is a gem!). Had D, cramps, and felt pain in lower right side but nothing was detected on colonoscopy. Took Entercort for several months, things calmed down.
Over the past 3 years, would swing from D to C, but managed things with diet. Got worse this spring, with every few days back and forth between the two. Then had horrible pain with the C....I mean HORRIBLE, like razor blades inside my insides... but after I had a BM, I was a little tender but fine. After trying to deal with it on my own, I finally went on clear liquids Mother's Day weekend after having major D, the day after having C and horrible pains.
I called doc the Monday after Mother's Day and he started me on Entercort 2 weeks ago and ordered blood work. I felt great, until this past Monday when I was awakened during the night with a BM and major pains. Saw him today, he said blood work was fine. And as he was examining me and discussing symptoms, he said he thought I might have scar tissue in the ileum causing my problems based on my "non-normal for me" symptoms. He said if it was inflammation from Crohn's it would show on blood work, thus his thinking it was scar tissue. And he said it couldn't be treated with drugs, just surgery.
I am having a CT scan tomorrow because he said colonoscopy won't show it.
I know I am blessed to have had a relatively mild case of Crohn's and been able to treat it for 21 years with only medication....
And I've read the statistics that said about 2/3 to 3/4 of all Crohn's patients will have to have surgery at one time.
But I really hope I don't have to have surgery!
I had major surgery on my neck two years ago and am really just now starting to feel well!
Has anyone used alternative supplements to keep scar tissue from causing problems?
Has anyone had surgery to remove scar tissue and not need additional surgeries later?
Thanks to those who've read my novella....I appreciate in advance any info.
I've read a few posts doing a search on scar tissue and I realize I am very blessed...but I feel that my luck may be running out.
I was diagnosed in 1988 at the age of 26, after having D for several weeks that didn't respond to anything and losing 20 pounds. Had colonoscopy and endoscopy and could hear thru my drugged state the Drs calling in residents to check out my films b/c I was one for the textbooks: had Crohn's in colon, ileum, AND stomach!
Took prednisone for years. Had two successful pregnancies (although hospitalized for IV steroids to prevent early delivery). Breastfed both babies (now 20 & 16). Had flares several times a year, but knew how to handle with diet and meds.
Last few years, I went off all medications, went natural....bought prednisolone to use for very mild flares.
But 3 years ago had serious enough flare to go back to Gastro doc (my original from 21 yrs ago who is a gem!). Had D, cramps, and felt pain in lower right side but nothing was detected on colonoscopy. Took Entercort for several months, things calmed down.
Over the past 3 years, would swing from D to C, but managed things with diet. Got worse this spring, with every few days back and forth between the two. Then had horrible pain with the C....I mean HORRIBLE, like razor blades inside my insides... but after I had a BM, I was a little tender but fine. After trying to deal with it on my own, I finally went on clear liquids Mother's Day weekend after having major D, the day after having C and horrible pains.
I called doc the Monday after Mother's Day and he started me on Entercort 2 weeks ago and ordered blood work. I felt great, until this past Monday when I was awakened during the night with a BM and major pains. Saw him today, he said blood work was fine. And as he was examining me and discussing symptoms, he said he thought I might have scar tissue in the ileum causing my problems based on my "non-normal for me" symptoms. He said if it was inflammation from Crohn's it would show on blood work, thus his thinking it was scar tissue. And he said it couldn't be treated with drugs, just surgery.
I am having a CT scan tomorrow because he said colonoscopy won't show it.
I know I am blessed to have had a relatively mild case of Crohn's and been able to treat it for 21 years with only medication....
And I've read the statistics that said about 2/3 to 3/4 of all Crohn's patients will have to have surgery at one time.
But I really hope I don't have to have surgery!
I had major surgery on my neck two years ago and am really just now starting to feel well!
Has anyone used alternative supplements to keep scar tissue from causing problems?
Has anyone had surgery to remove scar tissue and not need additional surgeries later?
Thanks to those who've read my novella....I appreciate in advance any info.