Fistulas: unique to Crohn's disease or not?

[MaryM]

Does anyone know the answer to this question? My mother was treated for diverticular disease, recurring bouts of diverticulitis, and developed a fistula which required surgery. The surgery did not go well but it was discovered at that time that Mom had Crohn's disease. This was quite a few years ago, before the sophisticated imaging techniques that are so accessible today came on the market.

So I wonder if the fistula was an artifact of the diverticulitis or evidence that she did, in fact, have Crohn's all along. I do....:stinks: But you all know that.

I love this board and am so grateful for all the wisdom you wonderful people share so willingly.

Hugs to everyone who takes the time to read this message.

MaryM

 

[Jennifer]

They occur most often with IBD (CD and UC) but occur most often with Crohn's.
http://ibdcrohns.about.com/cs/relatedconditions/a/fistula.htm

Various causes of fistula are:
"A fistula can be caused by an injury, infection or inflammation of the structure in question. A fistula may also be created during a surgical procedure. Some fistulas may be congenital." Further reading: http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/f/fistula/causes.htm

 

[MaryM]

Thank you so much for your response which is so interesting. Will follow up on the links and read some more.

I grew up in Australia but my home has been in the U.S. for 30 years. It was only a few weeks ago, on my second trip to Australia this year, that I learned my mother had Crohn's disease and so does a sister. Nobody ever thought to tell me, I guess.... Other family members have auto-immune disorders; I have lupus.

Docs have fobbed me off for years when I sought help for my troubles; excruciating pain, bloody D for days and weeks at a time, dramatic weight loss. Oh you have IBS, gastritis, duodenal ulcer, it is all in your head, blah blah.

You have had a terrible time Crabby and I have had my troubles, but here we are. I am on the case and am now undergoing the full work up from a wonderful GI who believes there is no doubt that I have IBD.

Thanks again Crabby!

MaryM

 

[Jennifer]

Well I'm glad you're finally seeing someone you have faith in. We all need to be in good hands.

 

[TMos]

They LOVE telling you it"s IBS, don't they? Too bad CD is so tough to diagnose. A lot of people running around with no treatment.