1. Crohn’s Fact of the Day!

    I stole this off my friend Taryn’s facebook wall (hi Taryn!)

    Crohn’s patients face another stark reality: In spite of their and their doctor’s best efforts, the disease can stop responding to medication. When that happens, surgery becomes a last resort.

    According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, about 70% of Crohn’s sufferers eventually require surgery. About 30% of patients who have surgery for Crohn’s disease experience a recurrence of their symptoms within three years, and up to 60% will have a recurrence within 10 years.

    The two most common surgeries for Crohn’s disease are bowel resection surgery, which involves removal of the deteriorated portion of intestine, and fistula repair surgery.
    Fistulas can result from Crohn’s disease permeating the intestinal wall, leaving an opening or “hole” in the intestinal tract. This is one of the most serious complications of Crohn’s. Developing infection during the healing process is not uncommon, and often leads to temporary ostomies and lengthy periods of intravenous feeding.
    • August 9, 2012 at 9:20am