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Still have my temp ileo (had surgery today in hopes we could reverse my ileo after gracilis muscle procedure for fistula, but it needs more healing and CRS had to do another repair first). I do, however, affectionately refer to mine as Mr. Darcy.

Thanks for the well wishes, and happy to share what I can so far... I'm five weeks out today and closer to my normal activity level; however, I don't have the final followup with both my CRS and the plastic surgeon for two more weeks. It's hard to tell if it's healing, due to where things are...

Anyone here recently had fistula surgery utilizing gracious muscle? I had a temporary loop ileostomy back in July (http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?p=946570#post946570), and I am eight days out from gracilis surgery. This one is a different type of rough but I am so happy to have the...

Glad to hear things are moving along for you! Stay positive and take it day by day (as we all have come accustomed to). I'm having gracilis surgery for an anal fistula myself in a little over two weeks. If all goes well, my CRS thinks we could do the ileostomy reversal around 8 weeks after...

Apple sauce works and is easiest on my system. I had luck early with bananas but then had two instances where things got backed up and resulted in leaks (have a very flat stoma and sometimes have to help things move down), so I have given those up. I do use the marshmallow trick for bag changes...

For those it might help, I'm now just over a month out from my temp ileostomy procedure and back at work. I'm still having some skin irritation issues around the stoma due to leaks, etc. but I've been having longer runs and just had my first change with absolutely seepage evident with the bag...

Thanks for checking in! Surgery went well on Monday, but they had to change from a laparoscopic to open procedure, unfortunately. I seem to be doing better than most and left the hospital yesterday (fourth day) and spent my first night at home last night. Pain and mobility are the biggest...

Good to hear from someone who has been through it and back, Dan. And thanks for the well wishes. Amber

Hi All, Been a while since I've been on the forum, but I am about to embark on the first of three surgeries to help address my fistulating Crohn's. After a failed advancement flap procedure to address my large (and in charge) anal fistula, I decided to move forward with a temporary Ileostomy...

I'm contemplating trying another procedure to heal a sizable fistula I have. I previously had an advancement flap procedure, but it failed. Currently, I am considering advancement flap surgery (this time with muscle tissue) paired with a temporary ostomy to up my chances of success. Anyone...

Have you talked to your doc about going to weekly? I did that, although I think some insurance companies (at least in the U.S.) require you to try it for six months first. We skirted that by my doctor's office giving me samples that they had to fill the gaps until insurance would approve.

Before surgery, things would occasionally get lodged. Sometimes they would be partially coming out or close enough that I could help extract. Otherwise, it usually was sitz baths and a bit of a waiting game. Skins from fruits and veggies and veggies themselves were the biggest culprits. Not fun...

Yes, all of those are issues. I have to avoid most veggies, even when cooked (smashed is okay), anything with skin (apples, potatoes, tomatoes), spicy foods, nuts, etc. I still like pasta with tomato sauce and cheat on the spicy sometimes, but I know I'll usually pay the price.

Before my flap surgery and when I had setons, I did have drainage. The setons ensured I didn't get any infections, etc. though. Sadly, my larger fistula passes stool and I have to be very careful as to what I eat, as things can easily get stuck and back it up. Like dgg, I was told drainage post...

I had advancement flap surgery two months ago today, after trying meds combined with other procedures. Sadly, it doesn't look like this was my last surgery, as the larger fistula is back (albeit smaller). My CRS brought in a plastic surgeon for my procedure. They chose not to do a temp...

I usually leave 20-30 minutes but no more.

I, like You, developed an allergy to Remicade. I tried Cimzia after that but my CD advanced on that (dealing primarily with fistulas), so I was moved to Humira (now on weekly doses). It hasn't cleared things up but it is keeping things from getting worse. Sadly, Remicade was the most effective...

Definitely let the shot come to room temperature before giving yourself the injection. And, as others have said, the belly seems to be the least painful option.

I've been on Humira for a while (after developing an allergy to Remicade and not having luck with Cimzia), and I haven't noticed any major side effects (even with being on a weekly dose). The cancer risk is what concerns me most but a slight increase in risk is worth quality of life to me now.

I'm giving VSL#3 a go, as my doctor loaded me up with a few weeks' worth of free samples. So far, not noticing a difference a week in but will probably up the dosage.