Crohn's disease life threatening??

My husband is currently in the hospital (has been for a little over a week now), and has been diagnosed with a fairly severe case of crohn's disease. Unfortunately he let it go on a really long time and even has dead tissue in at least one area...they couldnt complete the colonoscopy due to so much inflammation. The doctor came in to check him out this morning and said that he could start on clear fluids (jello, broth, juice..etc.) and said that he didnt feel like they would need to do surgery (he was facing the possibility of a colostomy). Now this evening they drew his blood and found that his white blood cell count is elevated, which in my understanding could be indicitive of a secondary infection, possibly in the soft tissue. He did have some milk this morning and we are hoping that is what irritated his system (he used to be very allergic to milk but hasnt had a severe reaction to it at all recently.) Either way they took him for a cat scan to check things out.

continued (plz wait a few minutes before answering)...

hi Kii, I am a Crohn's survivor dxed at the age of 12. When drug therapy failed, I needed an ileostomy/total colectomy (removal of entire large colon) to save my life. The colon was inflammed, had 2 fistulas, and a few abscesses. When steroids failed, the only thing to do was remove it before things got worse. I no longer live in the bathroom 24/7. I have my life back and I can do everything I use to before surgery.

Now with the newer treatments, it is possible to get Crohn's in remission provided that the pt. takes the medication faithfully, keeps all MD appts. as well as testing appts, eats healthy when feeling well, avoids smoking and drinking, and exercises.

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America has a website where you can find information on the latest treatments, surgeries, diet, coping skills, as well as locating a local support chapter for the pt. and family members. They even have a live chat & hotline that is run by healthcare workers well versed in IBD. Give them a call. You have nothing to lose.

Kii, I truly understand your fears and concerns as well as what your husband is going through. I have had countless ER visits due to blockages and flareups. Surgeries to open up a narrowing, removing a fistula, and adhesions. It truly is a pain in the butt (no pun intended).

Feel free to email me if you have questions Kii. I have attended countless CCFA educational meetings as well as run an ostomy support group. I have learned alot of things in dealing w/med students, residents, as well as MDs who just don't listen. You have the right to a 2nd opinion, answers to your questions, and refusing treatment until you talk to your husband's primary MD.

I wish your husband a speedy recovery.

Crohns is nothing to fool around with. Do everything that you can do without delay.

Find a responsible person to care for your child and go camp out at the hospital until you can see the nurse and the doctor. I would not leave until I did. Crohn's can be a very serious and debilitating disease. But, if treated properly, he will be just fine. But you need to get with the doctor and find out exactly what is going on. And why in the world would the hospital give him milk when he has an intestinal disorder is beyond me. Your husband needs someone there with him that can keep track of what they doctors and nurses are doing and keep on them and make sure that he is treated properly. Your child's well being is very important, but so is your husbands. Find someone to care for your baby and go be with your husband.

First off, take a breath, close your eyes and clear your mind. You are going through something very though. You will get through this, keep your spirits up. My prayers are with you.

And secondly, these are all questions that whoever is assigned to him need to answer to you. Dont take no for an answer. Nurses/Doctors are very busy and sometimes they may seem stubborn but you deserve answers.

But I will tell you as much as I can without being there. And I will no sugar coat it. Crohn's disease is serious. And with the stage that he seems to be in it is not a good thing. Like I said not knowing the exact details I can not say exactly the prognosis however it seems like surgery (as for most) may be needed. I am not sure if a colostomy will be needed but a section of intestine may be removed. The high WBC may mean an underlying infection as you mentioned. (What was the count specifically)

You also have to realize that his lifestyle when he gets out, will be altered. He may require TPN feeding and later down the line a colostomy. There is no cure, while he may go into remission it will never quite go away.

If you have anymore questions or I didnt hit the points you wanted, feel free to message me or post it here. I will do my best.