Recently diagnosed with Crohn's Colitis. But I've been having the fistula issue for a while now. But it has gotten A LOT worse in the past few weeks. I have so much swelling and irritation down there anyway. But the fistula is about an inch from my anus right in the "valley" and watery bowel movement does pass through it. And at times a slightly more formed BM will try to pass through it. The burning, searing pain will make my heart jump, nerves vibrate and almost bring me to tears. Doc told me there was nothing they could do for it. When I start the Humira, it will eventually start to clear up. But I can't take this much longer. Hopefully I start Humira within the week but I've read it could take a while for the Humira to start healing the fistula. Curious if anybody has used anything to relieve the pain.
Fistula pain relief?
- Thread starter AdamVH
- Start date
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Bufford
Well-known member
Watch it, if it remains in a holding pattern that's okay. But if there are sudden changes, and it stops draining and swells up suddenly it could become an infected abscess that will require a visit to the ER.
cmack
Well-known member
I was told to numb the area before a bowel movement or exam to reduce pain. I would phone the doctors office and ask if you can too. Lidocaine hydrochloride jelly 2% will help a LOT, they have it at the druggist counter, I think you have to ask for it. Make sure it's the jelly, not the ointment. Good luck.
Thanks for the replies.
I asked about the Lidocaine jelly and the pharmacist said it was prescription only.
Hi there Sorry to hear you’re having such a tough time. I also have Crohns and have fought fistulas for 13 years. I went off Remicade and much later began Humira. It’s been about 4 months. Honestly don’t think the Humira is workin. Has anyone ever gone back to Remicade from Humira?
I’m allergic to narcotics but have taken Tramadol and often times - ok embarrassing- used an ice pack between the cheeks and found some good relief. Also hot baths
I’ll be thinking of you!
Bufford
Well-known member
Prior to surgery I dealt with fistulas and found that different positions at the toilet helped. I had two nasty fistulas one on the left side and the other on the right side. By standing up with knees slightly bent took a lot of pressure off of the rectal area with less pushing on the fistulas. I passed BMs by relaxing the rectal area as much as possible.
Doing this saved me from having a stoma for many years, but eventually I had to get a stoma due to the complexity of the fistulas and resulting infection from uncontrolled flares. I did not get a proper diagnosis for Crohn's until I had the operation. Now its controlled. Had I had proper diagnosis and treatment earlier, I may have been able to ward off the surgery, but Crohn's was not well understood then.
Doing this saved me from having a stoma for many years, but eventually I had to get a stoma due to the complexity of the fistulas and resulting infection from uncontrolled flares. I did not get a proper diagnosis for Crohn's until I had the operation. Now its controlled. Had I had proper diagnosis and treatment earlier, I may have been able to ward off the surgery, but Crohn's was not well understood then.
cmack
Well-known member
Sorry to hear that, Adam. I am able to get it here in Canada at the drug store without a prescription. I bet the doctor would write you a prescription, I can't think of a way anyone could abuse it, plus it's cheap. I think mine was under 5 bucks.
