Crohns and total colectomy

My husband had a total colectomy 27 yrs ago. Diarrhea will be part of life because your colon is where the water gets reabsorbed and our husbands don’t have them anymore.


But the pain and vomiting happen when my husband gets a blockage in the area of his scar tissue where they reconnected his colon and rectum.
Not sure if this is what’s happening with your husband? Is it pain all the time? Or just sometimes and then it gets worse and he vomits?

If it’s all the time, then it must be something going on in the small intestine.

But I know for sure after colectomy, they can’t eat a high fiber diet (no raw or firm fruits and veggies, corn, grapes, beans, etc.)


Let me know and I am happy to share all we have learned over the past years! We had to learn it all the hard way!

Hi , I just wanted to check in to see how your husband is doing. I'm sorry to hear that he has been having more and more symptoms since his colectomy. Is he still experiencing the symptoms you mentioned previously? If so, I would really encourage one of you to reach out to his doctor, if you haven't already. If his symptoms are getting worse, it certainly is worth the doctor looking into as he deserves to be feeling some relief! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)

Hi . First, let me say that it is great that your husband has you advocating on his behalf. I'm sure that you caring and trying to help find answers helps. Second, mind if I ask what your husband's original diagnosis was for? Was it ulcerative colitis? I ask because, as discussed in this research article, "Total colectomy is curative for patients with UC who failed medical treatment. However, some patients develop manifestations of CD after colectomy for UC:" https://journals.lww.com/ajg/fulltext/2013/10001/crohn_s_disease_diagnosed_after_colectomy_for.1752.aspx. It notes that in cases where Crohn's is then found to exist IBD treatment was often required. Of course, only a doctor can determine what is happening in your husband's case, but I wanted to pass on this information. Your husband deserves to be heard and treated. Please don't hesitate to seek another opinion if necessary. Hoping he can get some relief soon and please know that this community is here for both of you. Best, Richard (Team Member)