Anyone with fistulizing Crohn's

[angiedawns]

Having a difficult time with my Crohn's. I was originally diagnosed with UC in 2009. Colon removed in 2010 and jpouch surgery in 2011. Ended up with abscesses that lead to perianal fistulas in march of this year and now diagnosed with Crohn's. I have a temporary ileostomy ( since July). My problem is that I seem to have constant sensation to have a "bowel movement" rectally. Wondering if this ever stops after a while? I pass mucus sometimes. I have setons as well and wondering if anyone has had the fistulas heal, how long it takes and if your setons got removed eventually. I wonder if anyone is able to work living with the fistulas? I haven't returned to work yet. My job requires me to stand a lot and I find that causes me to have to go to the bathroom a lot due to pain/irritation in my bum. Getting discouraged that I will never feel better. On remicade too which frightens me long term side effect wise.

 

[DJW]

Hi and welcome aboard. I have battled with lots of fistulas. It was at it's worse back it my teens. I went to school with active fistulas. I had to use maxi pads (how embarrassing). They closed after ileostomy surgery. They left the rectal stump until I was 26. It would always drain muccus. Still needed pads or tampons to absorb it. (I couldn't bring myself to use a tampon). I still get the occasional feeling like I need to go the old fashion way.

 

[MikeinBklyn]

Angie, I suffered with a perianal fistula for a few years with setons, antibiotics and 2 fistulotomies.. It was only after being prescribed Humira that the fistula healed.

I had a Sitz bath at work and was using it a few times a day and after a BM. As you probably know, nothing makes you feel better than warm water with some epson salts in a bath, very soothing. Also, have you tried Calmoseptine ointment? It also helps at the seton penetrations.

Best of Luck!!!!!!