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I wish I could tell you. My RVF developed after I had repair on another fistula and was diverted with an ileostomy (so I had no fecal matter, save normal mucus, that could pass through).

It was a while ago (before Crohn's diagnosis) but I had severe pain that would cause me double over (turns out one stone was stuck in the duct). Foods that are fatty tend to exacerbate symptoms, I believe. Definitely have it checked out if you suspect...you know your body better than anyone!

These are classic signs of a RVF. Sadly, if drugs are not helping keeping these from forming, surgery may be your best option (assuming inflammation is under control). Depending on the fistula, you could be a candidate for a martius flap. Your CRS likely will refer you out to a urogynecological...

Good luck today, ncmom!

Just had my first trip to Mayo and visit #1 (EUA, seton placement and stem cell harvesting) is in the books. All went well and I should be headed back in about two months for the plug/stem cells. Feeling hopeful...

Best of luck! Just stay positive and remember it is worth it if it advances your end game!

Thanks for sharing! This is the trial I am participating in (at Mayo): https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03220243 They have completed similar trials with other fistula patients with promising results (around 80% healing a year out, I believe). Main difference here vs. some others is that...

I know it's a long-shot, but has anyone participated in a trial to treat their fistula(s) using mesenchymal stem cells (i.e., those harvested from you)? I've tried it all and am about to start a clinical trial at Mayo using a MSC-coated fistula plug in hopes that it helps me with my RVF...

Kancer - Have you had an examination under anesthesia (EUA)? If that's an option, it would allow a surgeon to probe and perhaps learn more and propose the best treatment.

I hear you. I ended up ordered gauze in bulk online from Amazon and found it much more cost effective (not inexpensive but much cheaper than buying at the drug store). Believe it was about $50 for 1,200 8-ply 4x4s.

I had a gracilis repair for a anal fistula in September of 2016, following a similar protocol of having an ileo done prior to. The ileo adjustment was challenging but the gracilis surgery definitely was the toughest procedure I've dealt with...but you'll come through! I was in the hospital for...

Agreed that surgery shouldn't be your first option (although it may be the best, in the end, and often in combination with medication). Solid surgeons won't consider surgery (unless an emergency) unless your Crohn's inflammation is as minimal as it can be (which often is the result of finding...

It really is a rough surgery...will get better day by day. In terms of knowing if it worked, an EUA is really the best way to fully examine interior and exterior openings, etc. I suppose a sigmoidoscopy or MRI could give some indication, but our plan for me was to do an EUA if all else seemed...

It has mostly healed (much smaller and unsure if any opening on inside) but I am still with Mr. Darcy, as I developed a new one shortly after the repair. Have been depbating another surgery but have put the hold on that to switch meds (Humira -> Stelara, also adding Azathioprine). For now we're...

I didn't develop any issues after going to 80mg/week but I just made the switch to Stelara (since, even at that max dose, my levels weren't where the doctor wanted them to be to hopefully be therapeutic). Wishing you better luck with the upped dose!

After years of failing to get closure (medically and surgically) for recurring fistulas, I am exploring additional medical and surgical options. I currently have a temporary ileostomy and don't want to give up and go to a permanent proctectomy and colostomy (but realize that may be the end...

It can drain for a while, so they likely will give it more time before considering it a failure. My understanding is that while sometimes initial post-opp healing occurs, often times items a secondary healing process that needs to happen. I know it is disconcerting to have things passing (I've...

After being on Humira for several years (as well as multiple surgeries for my fistulating Crohn's), my levels are not where they should be. I have just started with a newly increased dose (was 40mg/week and now I'm going to 80mg/week). Luckily I haven't developed antibodies, but I'm wondering...

Glad it could be of some help, bmmilward! You've certainly had your share of it, so here's hoping the repair does the trick! I go back for a followup with my CRS in a few weeks. Have had some indications the last repair hasn't healed...but hoping my body & time will take care of that!

A quick update for those considering or going through the same treatment course... Returned to see my CRS and plastic surgeon in early November and healing was still in progress but looking good. We went ahead and scheduled surgery for today, but the surgeon wanted to start with an EUA to...