Hate to ask. Prayers please.

[SnikPlosskin]

Tomorrow morning I'm going in for something called a magnetic resonance enterography scan.

They are looking for problems with my small intestine. I fear they will find some. My condition has been deteriorating for about four months. The procedure is no big deal other than drinking barium which makes me pretty sick.

But I just can't deal with more health shit. If there is a problem, the remedy is surgery.

Let's hope they just need to increase my medication dose.

[Barn Babe]

Hang in there, prayers sent. :angel:

[lspencer534]

You have my prayers. :sadangel:

Very generally it's usually better to remove/repair what's ailing you, so what would be wrong with surgery?

[Truck Guy]

Hang in there, prayers sent. :angel:What BB said :yesnod:

[snide]

Best wishes, and good luck with the procedure. :angel:


Oh, and if you don't make it, can I have your mid-year? :bigears:

:cheers:

[DukeAllen]

Sent :angel:

[LATB]

Prayers sent. :angel:

[Norm]

Best wishes for nothing serious.

[DropTheTop]

:angel: Wishing you a manageable healing outcome, prayers sent.

[SnikPlosskin]

You have my prayers. :sadangel:

Very generally it's usually better to remove/repair what's ailing you, so what would be wrong with surgery?

Self employed and almost 100% chance of complications. The big issue is with strictures. Basically scar tissue that blocks the intestine. They cut the part with the stricture out but that leaves two more scarred areas that cause more strictures. It's a circular spiral until you run out of intestines or die - whichever comes first.

I'm hoping that increasing my IV anti inflammatory will be a better solution for now. But I am unaccustomed to good news.

[Chuck A]

i had the same problem, ended up i have diverticulitis, but i am managing mine, they also said i needed surgery to remove some of my colon, i have been ok for more than 2 years without, so maybe they may tell you to watch your diet and watch what you eat, sending good thoughts to you

[SnikPlosskin]

Best wishes, and good luck with the procedure. :angel:


Oh, and if you don't make it, can I have your mid-year? :bigears:

:cheers:

Thanks

And no.

[Dan Dlabay]

We will keep you in our prayers. May God bless you.:angel:

[StaticCling]

Prayers Buddy. :yesnod:

Hang in there. :)

[simpleman68]

Hang in there Pete. :angel:

Keep us posted. :cert:
Scott

[OddBall]

:angel::angel: Sent!

[SnikPlosskin]

i had the same problem, ended up i have diverticulitis, but i am managing mine, they also said i needed surgery to remove some of my colon, i have been ok for more than 2 years without, so maybe they may tell you to watch your diet and watch what you eat, sending good thoughts to you

Thanks. Unfortunately, my issue is not the same. I have a progressive illness. Diet has almost nothing to do with it. I wish it were that simple.

Crohns Disease is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and conditions like diverticulitis. The difference is that IBS is a condition that causes discomfort in an otherwise healthy digestive system. Nobody has ever died from IBS and it is almost always related to food allergies or eating habits. Or doctors have no idea what's wrong so they call it IBS.

Crohns is an Inflamatory Bowel Disorder (IBD) where the immune system attacks the digestive system (and usually joints and muscles). People with IBD are commonly hospitalized, 95% have multiple surgeries and mortality rates are over 78% (directly related to the disease). Left untreated, it kills you.

This immune system attack causes ulcerations and bleeding in the digestive tract (anywhere from the mouth to the anus). Some people have it in the colon, others in the terminal ilium. If the diease attacks the colon, symptoms are chronic diarrhea and other "bathroom" issues.

In my case, it's in my small intestine where nutrient absorption takes place. So I'm not among the unlucky bathroom people (thank God), instead, I have scarring in the lining of my small intestine preventing me from absorbing key nutrients like B12, iron and a few others. I seem to absorb fat just fine...

It doesn't sound like a big deal but it is devastating. The other danger with ulceration is sepsis. That kills the vast majority of patients.

Even the damn medicine has the potential to cause cancer. :issues:

In no way am I minimizing your discomfort. Just saying its different.

[Shrike6]

I'm pulling for you, pal. Best outcome for you and healing.
I know about Crohn's, it is a beeyotch at best. With all the new treatments, etc.,
there may be something coming to help you. Depending what is found, you might qualify for an investigational treatment at a research facility like NIH, or something. Do some looking around for clinical trials, etc. when you know more specifiics.
Never give up, never surrender!

[OldSarge]

Best wishes and hope all will be fine.

[Millenium Vette]

Prayers sent.

[Kerrmudgeon]

Best of luck Pete, you've had your share of problems for the year. Don't they sew in gortex or something to smooth out the intestines? :bigears:

[JRD77VET]

Prayers for you and your family too, Pete. :angel:

Best of luck
Jeff

[VatorMan]

:angel:

[markids77]

I assume you've not had success with Humira or another injectable? I also have Crohn's in the small intestine but so far oral anti-inflammatories have been enough. FWIW I have a cousin who had an absolutely miserable time for years and ended up in surgery... it was largely successful and he is living a fairly normal life now. Listen to your docs, get as many opinions as you feel are required and do what you feel is best for you; just don't discount any options.

[GRN ENVY]

:sadangel::sadangel::sadangel:

good vibes to you!

[Milton Fox]

Best wishes, and good luck with the procedure. :angel:

:iagree:


Oh, and if you don't make it, can I have your mid-year? :bigears:

:cheers:

Thanks

And no.

May I? :waiting:

[Rob]

Prayers coming.

[Fastguy]

Big prayers for your small intestine.

[SnikPlosskin]

Best of luck Pete, you've had your share of problems for the year. Don't they sew in gortex or something to smooth out the intestines? :bigears:

Not that I know of. I've often wondered why there is no stent for this sort of thing...

[SnikPlosskin]

I assume you've not had success with Humira or another injectable? I also have Crohn's in the small intestine but so far oral anti-inflammatories have been enough. FWIW I have a cousin who had an absolutely miserable time for years and ended up in surgery... it was largely successful and he is living a fairly normal life now. Listen to your docs, get as many opinions as you feel are required and do what you feel is best for you; just don't discount any options.

I've been on Remicade for three years (infusion every six weeks) but I think it is losing effectiveness. There are only three more drugs of this type (biologicals) available and Humira is one. All of the lower level drugs (oral) gave me reactions including seizures. Apparently I'm allergic to sulfa based drugs which sucks because they are safer and effective.

My disease is classified as "severe" likely due to being misdiagnosed for years.

But I still look damn good.

[SnikPlosskin]

May I? :waiting:

Maybe.

[SnikPlosskin]

Best wishes and hope all will be fine.

Avatar bigger please.

[SnikPlosskin]

You would never know it from my incessant whining but I'm pretty tough. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, etc.

Last night I told my instructor (doing CQC training with TDPS trainer) that if I pass out DO NOT call the ambulance. Just wait until I wake up and we will go from there. No ER for me.

So far it's been fine. I sometimes sit out on drills if I'm too worn down. But I'm using the class as a way to get fit and not give in to the disease. Plus, I'm learning how to beat down folks Police style. (open hands look better in court on video...)

Hell, he almost choked me out in class... :lol:

[Czarvette]

Good luck. :angel::angel:

[73sbVert]

Good luck Pete, positive thoughts your way!

:cheers:

[island14]

I assume you've not had success with Humira or another injectable? I also have Crohn's in the small intestine but so far oral anti-inflammatories have been enough. FWIW I have a cousin who had an absolutely miserable time for years and ended up in surgery... it was largely successful and he is living a fairly normal life now. Listen to your docs, get as many opinions as you feel are required and do what you feel is best for you; just don't discount any options.


This sounds like a possible ray of light for you Pete.

Lets hope for a good outcome from all of this.


:cert:

[Sea Six]

Very sorry to hear. Hope you feel better soon!

[wwomanC6]

Prayers sent for the procedure and hoping they get you fixed up so you feel better Pete!

[boracayjohnny]

Thrakk, I never call you by your real but this time is different. Hang in there, Pete. Prayers sent.

[mrvette]

Sorry I not spot this earlier, Take Care Pete, best of luck, and prayers your way.....:sadangel::cert:

[Chuck A]

Thanks. Unfortunately, my issue is not the same. I have a progressive illness. Diet has almost nothing to do with it. I wish it were that simple.

Crohns Disease is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and conditions like diverticulitis. The difference is that IBS is a condition that causes discomfort in an otherwise healthy digestive system. Nobody has ever died from IBS and it is almost always related to food allergies or eating habits. Or doctors have no idea what's wrong so they call it IBS.

Crohns is an Inflamatory Bowel Disorder (IBD) where the immune system attacks the digestive system (and usually joints and muscles). People with IBD are commonly hospitalized, 95% have multiple surgeries and mortality rates are over 78% (directly related to the disease). Left untreated, it kills you.

This immune system attack causes ulcerations and bleeding in the digestive tract (anywhere from the mouth to the anus). Some people have it in the colon, others in the terminal ilium. If the diease attacks the colon, symptoms are chronic diarrhea and other "bathroom" issues.

In my case, it's in my small intestine where nutrient absorption takes place. So I'm not among the unlucky bathroom people (thank God), instead, I have scarring in the lining of my small intestine preventing me from absorbing key nutrients like B12, iron and a few others. I seem to absorb fat just fine...

It doesn't sound like a big deal but it is devastating. The other danger with ulceration is sepsis. That kills the vast majority of patients.

Even the damn medicine has the potential to cause cancer. :issues:

In no way am I minimizing your discomfort. Just saying its different.

yea i understand, it sucks royally bleeding well i see it almost daily, hate going to the DR'S office, he keeps saying surgery i say lets wait a while PS, i have what the DR said was severe diverticulitis which is very painfull indeed if it acts up, usually spend a week or more with intra venous yea i cant spell and i am not able to eat just have fluids in me, well sending you more good wishes

[JRD77VET]

Any idea of how things turned out? :angel:

[SnikPlosskin]

yea i understand, it sucks royally bleeding well i see it almost daily, hate going to the DR'S office, he keeps saying surgery i say lets wait a while PS, i have what the DR said was severe diverticulitis which is very painfull indeed if it acts up, usually spend a week or more with intra venous yea i cant spell and i am not able to eat just have fluids in me, well sending you more good wishes

I lose so much blood it's becoming a problem. I cant make enough red blood cells. It used to scare me. Now I understand what is happening so not so much.

Can diverticulitis be controlled by not eating stuff with little seeds and nuts and crap like that? My dad has it.

My mother has Crohns though. She is in bad shape. Had sepsis last year. Brutal.

Any idea of how things turned out? :angel:

No idea yet. Probably a week or so before I know. Made me damn sick though and still sick nine hours later. :willy:

I could feel warmth when the machine scanned me. Damn weird. Like a huge microwave.

[Milton Fox]

Can diverticulitis be controlled by not eating stuff with little seeds and nuts and crap like that?

Yes, but you have avoid fruits and veggies with "skins" as well and some other stuff as well.

Do you have a nutrionist? :waiting:

['77Babe]

I lose so much blood it's becoming a problem. I cant make enough red blood cells. It used to scare me. Now I understand what is happening so not so much.

Can diverticulitis be controlled by not eating stuff with little seeds and nuts and crap like that? My dad has it.

My mother has Crohns though. She is in bad shape. Had sepsis last year. Brutal.



No idea yet. Probably a week or so before I know. Made me damn sick though and still sick nine hours later. :willy:

I could feel warmth when the machine scanned me. Damn weird. Like a huge microwave.

Prayers go out to your whole family. :angel:

I hope your results reveal an easy fix and they can relieve your pain and suffering without being too invasive.

It's really hard to believe that modern medicine hasn't come up with more to successfully fight Crohn's.

[NCC-1701]

Prayers for you..I also have a friend who has Crohns very bad and was on Remicade for a while that drug is horrible and although she felt better the side effects were very bad for her and she had to get off it. I think she is on asichol (sp) now. Anyway hope you feel better and speedy recovery.:seasix:

[SnikPlosskin]

Can diverticulitis be controlled by not eating stuff with little seeds and nuts and crap like that?

Yes, but you have avoid fruits and veggies with "skins" as well and some other stuff as well.

Do you have a nutrionist? :waiting:

No nutritionist. Hematologist instead. When you can't absorb nutrients, a nutritionist can't do much. Instead we focus on keeping blood chemistry right.

Not ruling it out but I don't know if I can deal with additional specialists.

Prayers for you..I also have a friend who has Crohns very bad and was on Remicade for a while that drug is horrible and although she felt better the side effects were very bad for her and she had to get off it. I think she is on asichol (sp) now. Anyway hope you feel better and speedy recovery.:seasix:

Assacol (who names this shit?) is one of the drugs that gave me seizures. It's in a class of drugs that are sort of standard pharma - they usually try them first because they are safer and work for most people. Also cheaper.

Remicade is a different class of drugs called "biologicals". They are high tech, super expensive and potentially dangerous. You have to get Remicade at a hospital or cancer center so they can intervene if you have a reaction.

Side effects can range from fatigue for a couple days to lymphoma. But, it works to keep the disease in remission. I get it every six weeks. It takes about five hours to administer via IV. I usually sleep during it.

Over time, it can lose effectiveness. Once you stop it, you can't start it again due to risk of reaction. Since it has worked for me and it doesn't cause me too many side effects, I want to keep doing it. But I think going to a higher dose will work.

There are a limited number of drugs valuable and there is no certainty that I can tolerate the others. If I run out of options, I'm done for.

When it is working, I have no symptoms other than fatigue. The drug has been in use for 15 years so it is pretty proven. :barnbabe:

I've become an expert on this shit.