Colon & Rectal Surgery at the University of Louisville -- Patient Information

Testimonials

No Place Like Home
Marie Greco, 57, has a lust for life and adventure. She has walked on fire, hunted lions in Africa, and ridden on an elephant in the Himalayas. However, had it not been for the care she received from University of Louisville colorectal surgeons, Marie's acts of derring-do wouldn't have been possible.

Can Do Spirit: Marie Greco (right) enjoys an elephant ride in Jaipur, India.

Diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 1984, Marie was put on two medications and did well for a decade with few symptoms. Then her symptoms returned with a vengeance. Marie became debilitated from persistent diarrhea, fevers, and recurring abscesses.

After multiple operations, Marie and her husband began to despair. They traveled to Mayo Clinic. The doctors at Mayo offered little hope: Marie was faced with the possibility of life with an ileostomy. This would have required removal of her large intestine and the need to wear a bag to collect waste. Refusing to give up, she went home to Louisville.

Marie's gastroenterologist referred her to the colorectal surgeons at the University of Louisville who gave her hope.

"While they agreed with the physicians at Mayo that my colon had to be removed, they were willing to try alternatives to a permanent ileostomy." Marie underwent surgery to have her entire colon and part of her small bowel removed, but her rectum was spared. This allowed the surgeons to connect her small intestine to her rectum.

"The doctors cautioned that it might only last a few months. It was a miracle: for four years I went without the necessity for further surgeries."

Although Marie's condition continues to wax and wane, she feels secure knowing that the best medical care is available in her own backyard.

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