Fistulas, Setons, and Motorcycle riding

[Roadie]

I guess I'm kind of projecting. I'm going in for an MRI this morning to see about fistulas, and from what I'm reading, if I have one (some) (i believe I do), setons seem to be a common method to deal with them.

I'm curious if anyone has any experience with them and riding a motorcycle afterwards? Not necessarily right after the OP, but what has the long term impact been for you? My son and I like to go on 3 day motorcycle camping trips and wondering if thats going to be a no-go once (if) I have a seton(s).

Thanks

Will

 

[AlliRuns]

Hi Will,

I had several setons last year and still went cycling, so you should be able to ride a motorcycle. My surgeon also cut away the bad tissue before placing the setons, so it was awhile before I was able to ride, but eventually, with the right shorts, it was bearable.


Alli

 

[Jaano711]

I used to ride my bike with the setons in place. As Ali says, not straight after surgery, but once they 'settle in' you should be fine.

 

[MikeinBklyn]

Roadie,

It's going to take a little time. Setons at first are very uncomfortable.

You kind of get used to it but never totally used to it. Afterall it is what it is.

I got back to normal in a few weeks after my fistulotomy surgery and seton placement.

It's all in the mind. Don't let it beat you, you can learn to tolerate it and continue as normal it just takes a little time.

Best of Luck

 

[Roadie]

Thanks, I had the surgery on the 18th of April, and yesterday was able to "somewhat" sit again. Still draining. It doesn't really hurt, just uncomfortable as hell. My biggest problem now is swelling in my prostrate post op, which has made it virtually impossible for me urinate. TOday I get my third catheter removed and hope to be able to "take over" on my own. My urologist put me on Rapaflow last Sunday...so keeping my fingers crossed! This morning is the big morning!

I'm already researching new motorcycle seats for my 2009 Kawi Concours, to give me a comfy ride . Little bummed because Rolling Thunder is 20 some odd days away and don't think I'll be ready to ride with my son this year. Next year is another year though.

 

[MikeinBklyn]

Roadie,

Try to get in a tub or the very least Sitz bath as often as possible during the course of the day. I loved a tub of warm water and epson salts.

Ah the prostate thing......I understand.

I let the seton keep me off the track for 2 years, what a bummer. Keep positive and look for ways around that SOB.

Best of Luck

 

[Roadie]

Thanks, I def get in the tub at least three times a day and shower head it for ten minutes after any movement. I bet my water bill is gonna go through the roof. Don't care.

They did finally remove my catheter yesterday and I can pee! What a joyous moment. Two weeks in the making. I do have to be honest though and admit its a weak stream and I have to really focus and gently and steadily push to get it out. I hope that's ok. Doc has me on rapaflow.

 

[Roadie]

Hey I'm back! 2 months 1 week later I'm still healing. I'm off the rapaflow, at some point they had to operate again and put in a drain for a few weeks. My surgeon finally cleared me to start humira so should arrive in the mail today. Appointment on Friday to learn how to administer. I still have pain occasionally and have to pop a Percocet maybe once every other day. What I'm hearing is the humira will "take it home " as far as finishing up killing the swelling and closing this wound left behind from the surgery. It's not big like some accounts I have read. Doc can barely get a q-tip in it. Biggest it ever was is pinky size so I can't complain. Anyone have any humira success stories that will help me understand what I'll be going through next?

 

[Roadie]

Oh and yes!! Gently riding again.

 

[Sailorluna]

Good luck with humira. It never closed my fistulas but it did help other symptoms. You may want to check out the humira subforum for a great wealth of people experiences in regards to side effect etc. I was able to tolerate it for about 8 months and have since switched to Cimzia but there are people on the forum who have taken it for years.