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Diagnosed with Fistula...noooo

mharvey90

mharvey90

I'm back on the forum guys, for those that may remember my posts from a year or so back!!

Just found out today that I have a fistula connecting my anastomosis in my small bowel to my rectum. This was missed by my colonoscopy a month ago, and was discovered from a small bowel follow through on Wednesday morning.

My GI dr. wants to put me back on Humira, which I just stopped taking 3 months ago due to a severe CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection.

I am starting an accelerated RN program on Monday, and since I'll have frequent clinical hours, I'm scared that being back on Humira will cause me to develop another infection since as a nursing student I'll be around many sick people. But i'm also scared that if I don't have surgery or humira to treat the fistula, it will cause an abscess. I've never had a fistula before...

Help! Any advice or support would be so appreciated right now.... :(
 
DJW

DJW

Forum Monitor
Hi. I'm afraid I can't help with advice but you definitely have my support. I hope this gets sorted out quickly.
 
nogutsnoglory

nogutsnoglory

Moderator
mharvey90 said:
I'm back on the forum guys, for those that may remember my posts from a year or so back!!

Just found out today that I have a fistula connecting my anastomosis in my small bowel to my rectum. This was missed by my colonoscopy a month ago, and was discovered from a small bowel follow through on Wednesday morning.

My GI dr. wants to put me back on Humira, which I just stopped taking 3 months ago due to a severe CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection.

I am starting an accelerated RN program on Monday, and since I'll have frequent clinical hours, I'm scared that being back on Humira will cause me to develop another infection since as a nursing student I'll be around many sick people. But i'm also scared that if I don't have surgery or humira to treat the fistula, it will cause an abscess. I've never had a fistula before...

Help! Any advice or support would be so appreciated right now.... :(
Click to expand...
Unfortunately you are in a bit of a catch 22. Do you think Humira contributed to you getting that infection? It's possible with the suppression. I think it's better to risk some infections rather than let the disease go rampant. I find the immunosuppressive meds get me sick far more than the biologics.
 
L

lgpcarter

Location
Canada
Have you done Remicade yet? It was more effective at treating my fistulas. Humira did nothing.

You are in a bit of a pickle, but I would go with the drugs, be extra paranoid about hand washing and wear a face mask if need be.
 
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