Three years ago, I had a small bowel resection at UPenn that gave me my life back. The surgeon I met truly changed my life for the better. I wrote all about before and after surgery here and recovery from surgery here.
Making the big decision to have surgery did not come easily for me. For almost a year prior, I was struggling with my health really badly. I was stubborn and at first I didn't want to take that next step- surgery. I was terrified of what could/could not happen and all the what ifs. My doctor allowed me to take control of how I wanted to proceed with treating my Crohn's Disease. I was always thankful for that. BUT the final straw was a summer of increasing stomach pains that were not going away, even with medicine and an overnight stay in the hospital after a vacation that led to a list of medicines to help me recovery from that episode. I knew at that point something had to change.
I trusted my doctor fully but I think I reached a point where i realized that this was way out of his hands and he gently nudged me to UPenn. Knowing I had to trust a new doctor was super scary for me and I knew my case was not a textbook case. I was scared what the outcomes could be, would I be able to live a normal life again? Would I need to spend extra time taking care of myself because of an ostomy bag? Above all I just wanted to be healthy again. It had been a long five years of not being healthy.
Three years later, I am happy to report that my health is pretty good and I am able to lead a normal life to my standard. I am doing the best I can. I have little incidents every now and then that humble me but I am pretty impressed. It boggles my mind to think that it has been three years already but it also feels like yesterday.
The scars form the surgery have faded and if you are not looking closely/ paying attention, you wouldn't really see them. I know they are there and its a nice reminded of how far I have come and how different life used to be.
If you are in a situation where you are making a decision to have surgery or not, trust you gut (no pun intended) and your care team. Know that things could change for the better, do all your own research, feel comfortable with the surgeon, ask lost of questions and get second (or third or fourth) opinions.
To look back on previous Crohn's Confidential posts, see below:
Crohn's Confidential: My Crohn's Disease Journey
Crohn's Confidential: My Support Team and How They Help Me
Crohn's Confidential: Surgery: Before & After
Crohn's Confidential: Recovery After Surgery
Crohn's Confidential: World IBD Day
Crohn's Confidential: Dealing with Questions and Comments
Crohn's Confidential: What I learned from Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Confidential: Resources
Crohn's Confidential: Thank you
Crohn's Confidential: Humira Update
[[So it was a hard decision, but I knew it was the right one. Graeme Le Saux]]
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