Dealing with fistulas

[Sleepnbeautie]

So I know this is a minor problem that comes along with Crohn's compared to what some people go through with colon resections and what not, but it's the bulk of my problems right now, and it's getting frustrating. I got a perianal fistula before I ever even knew I had Crohn's disease. About two years ago now actually. I've had two surgeries on it, last year in February and July. When I was finally diagnosed in May with Crohn's disease, the CT showed another abcess which was though to be connected with my previous fistula. My GI has been treating my fistul was an antibiotic which seemed to be workinging, but recently, I've had alot more pain in the area where they found the new abcess and alot of drainage out of my bum (just last night)... I know, gross, but I figure if you're reading this you've had similar issues. Has anyone had fistulas that actually heal? Is there really any hope with this. I had a colorectal surgeon tell me that you can develop cancer in your rectum if you can't get the fistulas to heal. I'm kind of scared... does anyone have any positive thoughts on this subject?

 

[sawdust]

Hi. Welcome to the forum. Hope you find it as helpful as I have. Also, please check out the new Fistula and Abscess subforum - new this week! http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=76

As far as I know, there are lots of different ways to deal with abscesses and fistulas, but there seem to be a lot of factors that will be specific to your case that will help your doctors decide what the best course of action is. In that subforum, I think you'll find lots of folks who have had varying success with some of the new drugs. It's hard to picture and understand some of these procedures and things are when your GI or surgeon throws them your way quickly - this place has certainly helped me along.

Again, welcome to the forum. Don't be scared or worried about "gross" -- around here, we understand just as you do!

 

[xJillx]

Hi there and welcome! I am sorry I don't have any experience with fistulas, but as sawdust suggested, you should check out the new Fistula & Abscess subform. I bet you'll get a lot of good responses to your questions in there. Good luck!

 

[Cookie]

Have you tried Remicade? It works for many people in healing fistulas. Antibiotics are usually just a short term solution.

 

[Amylou]

Hi Sleepnbeautie!!

I have dealt with a few fistulas got one of the buggers at the moment.
I first got mine when I was 19 got and abcess which wouldnt stop leaking after it was drained. I got diagnosed with crohns at 21 while having a temp ileostomy. I had 3 fistulocomies that didnt work then got referred to a specialist who told me I needed sphincter repair.
Had a seton put in but had it taken out and unfortunatley I abcessed so had another put in and that was in for a few years and it eventually fell out!! Id healed yaaay!! It can happen!! It can take a long time you have to be patient with these awful things!!

I know fistuloctomies are good for some people but thats not been an option for me with these last two because too near my sphincter muscles!! I was fine no probs for 4 years but unfortunatley dec 2010 got an internal abcess and a fistula been pretty crap this yr been theatre 7 times booooo!! But now I have 2 setons in and im draining so im happy!!
No ones ever told me you can get cancer I thought the fistulas are unharmful its the infections and abcesses that go with it that is harmful!! Im currently being tested to see if I can try the drug remicade heard thats good at closing fistulas. Dont worry there is hope and It can happen!! Let me know how your getting on xx

 

[Jennjenn]

Hi welcome

Sorry I do not have experience either with fistulas. I hope that yours can be healed soon though.