What have been your main complications with Crohns/IBD?

I  have had Crohn's for a little over 20 years and my pain problem has been in my small intestines near (terminal ileum). My hospitalizations have been small bowel resections, ruptured ulcer, hysterectomy, strictureplasty, small bowel obstructions, gi bleed, blood clot and staph infection to name a few. Lately it seems like I will be doing good and then I get a flare that is ongoing and I wind up in the hospital. I am really afraid that is going to happen again so I have been taking some pain medicine and put myself on a liquid diet. I was last in the hospital in Oct 2005 for what started out as a blockage and ended up being there 2 weeks and then home a day and back for a week with a clot and staph infection in my right arm where a PICC line had been I told my husband that if I knew that I could get out in 3 days or even 5 I would probably go now but this has been going on a week so far. My GI told me that I dont mess around when I get sick that I take the whole 9 yards. That is what worries me. If I have more surgery I am in danger of having short bowel syndrome and they narrowly avoided it last time. The blockage had cleared and I was still in major pain until they did Remicade which I just had on Sept 1st. My 10 yr wedding anniversary is tomorrow and I am concerned I may be spending it in the hospital.    How do you all cope with the complication? Do they end up with you going to the ER or do you take pain medications, adjust diets or what works if anything?

For my entire 16 yrs, my main problems have been with my perianal crohns skin tags which were mistaken for hemmies and they "tied" them off (banded them) while they were in a serious flare, they've remained flared ever since and my colon has also been in a constant flare the entire 16 yrs as well....so I guess for me, my biggest complaint is not being able to reach a full and total remission.

:)

obstructions and, of course, accidents in my underwear. ;-)

Inflammation, obstructions, fissures, fistulas, abscesses...... I've had it all, but thankfully only minor joint pain. I've had 6 resections and only have 250 mm of small bowel left. I take a B12 shot monthly, but so far that's been my only problem.

You do what you have to do, even if that means surgery. I've been in the hospital over birthdays, anniversary's, and just about every holiday over the years. You'll be okay, no matter what, just don't give up, keep on fighting.

Right now, why don't you make an appointment with your GI and see if he'll put you on prednisone temporarily to get you over this acute phase? You won't necessarily end up in the hospital, it sounds like you're controlling things well with the liquid diet and pain meds.

I'm concerned with what's going on with you. It sounds like you need to get to your doctor ASAP. I guess it depends on how severe your symptoms are, but you sound pretty sick.

My biggest thing is arthritis with its pain + nerve pain. And severe fatigue.

I hope you have a happy anniversary in spite of being sick. -Joy

After rereading, I think I missed the point of the question.  I was thinking extraintestinal symptoms instead of complications.  Obstruction and fistulas come to mind.

I hate hate hate my perianal skin tags. My largest one will occasionally become inflammed and hurt. I wish they would surgically remove it, but doc says it wouldn't heal. My GI is hoping Remicade will clear it up/shrink it as well as heal my fistulas, which by teh way, are delightfully draining right now.

My biggest problems have been accidents and really really smelly gas - emitted while I'm sleeping - my hubby is really irritated by it! Oh, yes, I've modified my diet as much as possible (no corn, no soy, no dairy, no beans, no gas producing vegetables), but it nearly leaves me nothing to eat!

Hi Not sure what is going on with you now but if I were having pains that long I would go to the hosp. to get help. I used to let things go not anymore.Abcess surgery and fistula's and obstruction issues changed that for me. Hope you are feeling better by now .lol gail