This topic is about understanding how Crohn’s disease might continue to affect someone after they have had an emergency ileostomy. An ileostomy is a surgical procedure where a part of the small intestine is brought to the surface of the abdomen to create a stoma, allowing waste to exit the body. This person had the surgery due to a bowel blockage caused by undiagnosed Crohn’s disease and is now seeking information on what to expect moving forward.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. Having a stoma or undergoing bowel resection does not cure the disease; it can still reappear in other areas.

2. If considering a future reconnection (or "reversal") of the stoma, be aware that Crohn’s disease often recurs at the surgical join sites. It’s important to discuss this risk with your surgeon.

3. Regular monitoring is crucial. This includes:
- Regular scopes such as ileoscopy, colonoscopy, and endoscopy to check for disease activity.
- Routine blood tests to monitor inflammation, including C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and White Blood Cell count (WBC).
- A suggested post-operative plan includes CRP and fecal calprotectin tests at 3 months, repeating at 6 months, followed by an ileoscopy. If no inflammation is found, medication might be paused.

4. When purchasing travel insurance, you should still declare Crohn’s disease, even if you are symptom-free. It’s best to confirm this with your doctor.

5. There are several medication options available to help control or prevent the recurrence of Crohn’s disease. These include 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), Humira (adalimumab), Stelara (ustekinumab), Inflectra (infliximab biosimilar), Rinvoq (upadacitinib), and sulfasalazine.

6. Some people find that their quality of life improves after an ileostomy, experiencing less pain and no urgency, and gaining freedom from strictures and fistulas, despite the ongoing risk of Crohn’s.

7. Joint pain and other symptoms outside the intestines, such as polymyalgia rheumatica, can persist. Consulting with a rheumatologist and using medications like sulfasalazine can be beneficial.

8. Having a stoma can make it easier to access the small bowel for endoscopic surveillance and biopsies, which is important for ongoing monitoring of the disease.