Fistulas getting me down

[eneg16]

Hi all,

Four and a half months ago I was diagnosed with Crohn's, and I developed an abscess which turned into two fistulas. I know it has only been four months, and that people deal with these for years. But I am having a hard time coping. I am a university student, and on top of studies and finances, I have to worry about these awful fistulas that don't stop draining, as well as my normal Crohn's problems. I also would classify myself as not 100% mentally strong, as I get anxious easy and worry a lot. I know these do not help my problems.

I guess what my question is, has anyone had any success healing these buggers with anything other than surgery or Biologics? I am on Remicade, but if something else may help, I would love to compliment my biologic with perhaps an alternative type of treatment.

I do not usually believe in alternative methods, but at this point (I know it has only been four months, but this is new to me!), I would try anything that won't hurt me lol

Thank you!

G

 

[ronroush7]

Don't let it get really bad. Contact your doctor. I had an abscess that went on for three months. They had to drain it twice and the second time they had to put me on IV antibiotics before it cleared up.

 

[If*]

Hi there, I am so sorry for what you are experiencing. Some may poo poo this but I am going to throw it out there (again) anyways.
I have experienced similar, i do understand the difficulties. I did try a nutritional supplement that actually helped me. I ordered a product called Just Barley, an organic barley green powder I mixed with grape juice, or water. As crazy as this sounds, I did show drastic improvement in less then 10 days. I don't think it needs to be the exact product, however I would go organic Barley green is supposed to help with healing, cell structure, etc. It has some nutritional benefits too. For me it did. Take a poke around the net, and do a little research. See if this sounds like something you might be interested in.
Also, sitz baths, with epsom salt, gently pat dry. As often as you can. Not only can this be soothing but it can aid in cleaning, and likely healing too. I stayed away from barrier creams, I believe they can trap bacteria.

I am also sorry that you have anxiety. The good news is that you can help yourself so much. Stop, notice what you are thinking that could be causing the anxiety. Often it is a 'what if' followed by nothing good. Try to think of as many things that you are thankful for, the good in your life. Pay attention to your breathing, try to breath normal. In through you nose, out through your mouth. Again, notice your thoughts, are they in the future, or past? Try to stay present. Again notice your breathing, try to breath normal. Shallow breathing can signal the brain there is a problem sometimes. This is kind of like what mindful meditation is. It can easily be practiced, giving one some control. It can relax some, giving that time to pull yourself together. I know this isn't for everyone. It can help some

Be well, God Bless

 

[eneg16]

Thank you so much for your advice. I will definitely be looking into that product! Thanks again!

 

[Arthur Oliveira]

Hey there, i have Crohn's since 2014, i had a small fissure caused by the excessive bathroom trips, and i neglected it, an small abscess formed, and i didnt care much, now, i have a pretty hardcore fistula, i had.to drain it everyday, at least 2 times a day, had to roll a shirt and put it on my mouth so no1 would listen, and i could actually have something to bite, its perianal fistula so i can drain it and wash it by myself at home. Quite painful process and the doctor said i was crazy for doing it, and stupid for neglecting it for so long. But now its finnaly getting alot better due to.medication, so dont neglect it, listen to the advices you have here, im thinking of getting the barley thing myself, hoping for nlt needing a surgery. And aboir your anxiety, breathing and having a clear and controlled mind is the most important. Crohn isnt something easy to handle, but you can tame the beast, you just need to find.your balance, it has been 2 years now. And i only had 3 flares, each one shorter than the other, learned alot about myself and how to control it. Hopefully imm bring it down to remission. The meds help and work. But they are not the most important part. Its all about control and discipline.of self to enter a healthy lifestyle, get to know you and your new "partner in crime" and how to put him to sleep. Anxiety is like a drug to crohn, he'll get super powers haha. And its not going to get any easier. I falled for that trap, dont ever let your guard down. Good luck with everything, hope you get well soon! All the way from Portugal! Best of wishes and we can all do it!

 

[Justanothercp]

Eneg16,
What is your diet like? I feel my Crohn's is really affected by my diet. Of course, the problem is, everyone responds differently. But for me, the Paleo diet seems to help keep things in check.
Good luck to you. Stay strong.

 

[eneg16]

I try to eat as well as I can. I have a really hard time with self control, and I really need to work on it. My triggers are anything greasy, anything with lots of sugar and anything with dairy. I try to eat basic, plain foods like salmon, chicken, potatoes, squash and rice. But like I said, that is not always the case.

 

[Arthur Oliveira]

Oh, the self control is really important with crohns. Specially because you gotta deal and control not only food and habits, but also your stress. To be honest, i was nearly alcoholic before crohns. Been drinking since 16. Here in portugal is commun to drink alot, since very young and smoking as well, and drugs are easy to get too. So had bad habits. All was easy to quit and stop when crohn hit. But the food my friends. Thats hard and the main deal. You really gotta learn whats feels wrong for you, is good that you already know what triggers you. You just need to avoid it, and find.sone healthier replacements. Took me a while, and lucky me. Milk is a bad, but dairy is ok, depending if its cow cheese, or goat/sheep cheese. Have you tried going for almond or coconut drinks? Have you tried Replacing oil, with olive oil, helped alot too. And im not sure about gluten. But it messes some people. And check if you're lactose tolerant. If you're tolerant yogurt can help with your intestinal flora, oh, veggies have to be really well cooked.for me. But im still exploring my habits and crohn, trying to know myself about it. And i share your sugar pain. The sugar kills me, it was harsh. And sometimes i just need a small candybar hehe
Good luck keeping yourself strong.

 

[ronroush7]

Self control is one of my problems.

 

[Justanothercp]

I was never very good at self control either, but the Crohn's made it easier, because I paid such a price if I didn't behave...

 

[Arthur Oliveira]

I was never very good at self control either, but the Crohn's made it easier, because I paid such a price if I didn't behave...

Same here. I can say crohn made me grow alot this last 2 years.