Post-op reviews are complex.
On one hand, I was happy that my surgeon confirmed that I needed the operation. If you remember from “It Gets Real“, my insurance company had approved Stelara, but my doctors had given it a very low probability of success given how sick I was. If I’d tried Stelara, I would’ve had to have been tube fed for months to give it a chance, but in the end, I’d still probably need surgery anyway. So, I opted to skip the drug and have the surgery in order to save myself from more unnecessary suffering. However, even though there was a low probability of success for the Stelara, it was still possible that it could have worked. My surgeon’s confirmation that the operation was necessary was a godsend. It allowed me to not have to wonder about my decision for the rest of my life.
On the other hand though, I don’t ever think I’ll forget him calling my colon “icky”. I don’t hold it against him, but damn, that was very upsetting to hear. I don’t want to think about my internal organs being icky, mealy, or disintegrating. I didn’t know how to emotionally handle that description. I still don’t. Every time I feel sick now, that’s the go to image in my mind. It’s a bit messed up.
Yay Crohn’s Disease!
If it makes you feel better (?), I had a similar conversation with my surgeon after he removed most of my small intestine this summer. I’d almost they rather use such understandable language (and vivid imagery) than hide behind medical jargon.