Fistula's

[MomRocksOut]

My son has never had a fisuta, but my good friends daughter has one. Her fistula is draining from her abdomen. They have only spoken to a surgeon who said we'll just go in and fix that. No blood draws, no scans or x-rays have been done. Her doctor said that this can't be a sign of Crohn's because she doesn't have failure to thrive. Hmmm......

Other symptoms: low grade fever on/off for over a year, joint pains, is 14 1/2 and is 5'6" (Dad is 6'8" and Mom is 5'7") had always projected to be 5'9"; the Dad has GI problems, but it's never discussed.

Can a fistula form without having GI problems?

I have advised her to seek out a Pediatric GI and get a second opinion. She is seeking out a nutritionist, since she believes that this is probably a problem with not eating the right foods.

I would like not to be concerned, but I really am. I just wish I could really do something - suggestions?

~Son (12) diagnosed with Crohn's at 11
currently on Remicade

 

[my little penguin]

Other than suggesting a pediatric Gi that is about it.
Most people don't want to "see" a problem and can't deal with it so they look to easy fixes such as food since then the problem isn't that bad .

Unfortunately unless they are willing to listen and seek a medical opinion not much you can do .

 

[DustyKat]

As you are already thinking, a paediatric GI and thorough work up are the best options at this point…history, examination, bloods, imaging.

Abdominal fistula’s are very specific and do not occur without an underlying aetiology (cause). There are very few conditions under which abdominal fistula’s develop and poor nutrition certainly is not one of them, although they can affect a person’s nutritional status. I would hope that the nutritionist they see will recognise the situation for what it is and strongly recommend they see a GI.

The type of causes for abdominal fistula’s are: Crohn’s, post surgical, radiation therapy, trauma or other intestinal problems like obstruction. I don’t imagine she has suffered any recent trauma to her abdomen?

It is so hard to stand by and watch people hide their heads in the sand for short term gain, for surely it will only be a matter of time before they are forced to face reality.
No doubt it is a fine line with how much you push the friendship on this one and again, what you already suggested is the best path to take.

I hope your friend heeds your advice, and hopefully that of the nutritionist, and her daughter starts to receive appropriate care.

Dusty. xxx