Here We Go, Again . . .

Here we go, again . . . I am a “frequent flyer” in G.I. Procedures at UNC Hospitals. My family and friends know I have a procedure, approximately every six weeks. I have decided to share some of the behind the scenes of procedure time. I jokingly refer to the procedure as getting a tune up or rotating my tires. Believe me, after almost 30 years with Crohn’s and IBD, you better have a sense of humor.

Crohn’s has many sub-illnesses. These “bonuses” can be worse than the initial Crohn’s. Through the years, I have had many of these side issues – – – fistulas and a stricture are the main culprits. The stricture is the reason for my many procedures.

An article in healthline.com describes an intestinal stricture as “a narrowing in the intestine that makes it difficult for food to pass through. Sometimes, it can lead to an intestinal blockage. At least one-third of people with Crohn’s will develop a stricture within the first 10 years of a diagnosis.” I did have an intestinal blockage in 2005, twelve years after my initial diagnosis. However, I was not plagued with chronic strictures until fairly recently.

I periodically go to UNC Hospitals for a stricture dilation. The procedure is quick. But, I am sedated. Dehydration and years and years of procedures means I’m a difficult I.V. stick. It usually takes two or three tries to get the I.V. started. Sometimes, I’m lucky and it works on the first try. You can see in the picture above that that was not the case on that day.

I usually tell the nurses, “It’s not you, it’s me.” The nurses and staff at UNC Hospitals are amazing! They do their best. But, the odds are against them when most of their patients are dehydrated AND are frequent procedure patients.

OK. Enough about getting a good I.V. stick.

Without going into too much description, a stricture dilation procedure is similar to a colonoscopy. Plus, while sedated, a dilator is used to stretch the stricture.

In addition to the stricture dilation, I give myself shots to help keep the stricture open. I recently changed the type of shots I use. My physician and I are hopeful that the combination of Stelera injections and stricture dilation, along with a steroid shot during the last procedure will lengthen the time between procedures.

Thankfully, Stelera seems to be working well, at this time. My last procedure was November 19th. It has been 10 weeks. And, I still have 4 weeks until my next scheduled procedure. I am incredibly grateful for research and new meds.

Reflection: Whatever life throws at us, big or small, always look for the positive and be grateful. And, the occasional tune up is good, too. Reflect, adjust and change your outlook, when needed.