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Yes, that's my plan - I'll give it 2 weeks and see what transpires... My "new" CR surgeon does not recommmend any surgical fixes, outside of the redo of my jpouch or removal. I believe that there are several reasons for her recommendation: 1) jpouch related, 2) it's an "anterior" fistula -...

Kat, thank you for your reply. I'm hoping you're right - that the new pain is inflammation around/in the fistula. I don't know why I'd have more at this point (the fistula is about 5.5 yrs. old), but who knows ...? I've had a bad cold recently, maybe mucous is being put out down there as...

Been awhile since I've been on here, but things have been going ... acceptably. I had a seton replacement in Apr. '14, and it was a little tighter than the original. It is a draining seton. It somewhat irritated the "R" end, but I guess I eventually got used to it. I should note I have a...

Embarassing question, and I'm not sure this is where to post ... but those of you with recto-vaginal fistulas/setons, are marital relations possible? My fistula exits just north of the vag. opening (it does not actually exit out of the vagina - more of a "perineal" fistula, although it's...

What helps me most is the hot sitz baths, with a handful of epsom salts thrown in. As a bonus, the hot bath seems to stop the drainage for 2-3 hrs.

You might want to consider getting a bidet - they are relatively cheap and available on Amazon. Here's an example, similar to what I use: http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B005IT4C6G/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_1?ie=UTF8&index=1. Easy to install and use and it gets you clean...

Thanks for your information, dgg, and glad to hear you've found something that helps you! I too have begun experimenting with diet - trying a somewhat modified SCD diet - seriously reducing bad carbs and sugar. Can't say I notice a change quite yet, but we'll see. Good luck on your LIFT, if...

Good stuff - thanks juljul! I appreciate all the links and information and am going through them slowly but surely!

Juljul, my drs. have never recommended biologics. The consensus seems to be that nothing medically will "heal" this fistula, probably due to it being complex, and coming from j-pouch. I've considered the oregano oil and have tried it for a couple days, but it seemed to mess me up. May try...

I've had my R-V fistula for 2+ years, and have been on antibiotics for about 98% of that time. I'm not planning on having the fistula "fixed" surgically, as my surgeon did not recommend that - I have had a seton, for about 9 mos. now. I may opt for having my j pouch removed at some point...

Senora, thanks for that explanation - it was so very helpful! Another question now: how did you know about the scar tissue that developed - could you feel it under your skin? My fistula is a little higher up inside me, so I don't know how I'd know about scar tissue ... I can't tell you how...

Senora and Sailor - how does the doctor know if scar tissue has formed inside the fistula and it's "safe" to remove the seton? Do they somehow look in the tract, or is it based on the amount/type of drainage? Just curious on this ... I'm also guessing the fistula tract will continue to drain...

Thanks all for your input. My paps had recently always had some abnormal cells, so I'd have to go back for a culposcopy. I'm wondering if the fistula that was forming at the time may have had anything to do with that. I also had a pap after the fistula had broke through (and before the seton)...

Maybe a dumb question, but is there any problem with OBGYNs doing paps on those of us with a seton in an RV fistula? Do any of you ladies out there have paps with their setons in?

The only recent tests I've had were the EUA (for fistula) and the usual CRP/ESR. The last CRP was done about 5 months ago and was normal - however, at that time I was having no symptoms. Through the years I've had small bowel follow-throughs (negative), Prometheus (suggestive of Crohn's, but...

I have not been "officially" dx'd with Crohn's, although I have had my colon out (and a jpouch made) due to Ulcerative Colitis about 20 years ago. I now have a pouch-vaginal fistula. I am aware this can be a sign of Crohn's, and my doctors have pointed that out; however, they have not been...

Hi lizzy - I'm not sure what your "blister" could be. Is there pain or swelling? Fever? Those would also be signs of an abscess. My exterior fistula hole, which is just outside the vag. area, did drain bloody, yellowish-green stuff for quite some time after the seton was placed - not a lot...

Poohpouch: my seton is rubber. I understand they're also made out of some type of string, but my surgeon told me that the rubber is more comfortable. Since it's the only one I've had, I'm no judge on that! We didn't discuss the seton material prior to it being placed - honestly, I didn't...

Hi poohpouch. I'm wondering what your seton is made out of. Mine appears to be something like eletrical wire - it isn't exactly flexible, but is not stiff, either. There are knots at the rectal end. The seton (the knots) does seem to aggravate my skin from time to time - and by skin, I mean...

Hey Zaf, thanks so much for keeping us posted on your LIFT experience. Best of luck to you!