Howdy

[here_we_go]

howdy

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and new to forums. Well, I'm new to contributing to forums as I'm typically a very private person. I've been checking out this website for a while and I think it's fantastic!

I'm 34 and was diagnosed with Crohn's in 1997 - fun stuff! I'm currently taking Cipro and get monthly B12 shots. Just had an abdominal MRI to investigate 1 known and 1 suspected fistula - arghhh! My gastro doc says that surgery doesn't work and will only prescribe antibiotics at this point. His bedside manner is the pits so I'm looking around for a new doc. I'm also really interested in alternative medicines to complement my current routine as the Cipro just isn't cutting it. I look forward to reading more about people's experiences!

Have a great day and see you around! R.

 

[Crohn's 35]

:welcome: to the forum!!!! Another Canadian too! I am no stranger to Cipro or B12 shots, and I agree Cipro doesnt always cut it. The combo of Flagyl and Cipro is better. I am surprised he said a fistula is only corrected only by antibiotics?

This is an exerp from wikipedia : Treatment
Treatment for fistulae varies depending on the cause and extent of the fistula, but often involves surgical intervention combined with antibiotic therapy.

Typically the first step in treating a fistula is an examination by a doctor to determine the extent and "path" that the fistula takes through the tissue.

In some cases the fistula is temporarily covered, for example a fistula caused by cleft palate is often treated with a palatal obturator to delay the need for surgery to a more appropriate age.

Surgery is often required to assure adequate drainage of the fistula (so that pus may escape without forming an abscess). Various surgical procedures are commonly used, most commonly fistulotomy, placement of a seton (a cord that is passed through the path of the fistula to keep it open for draining), or an endorectal flap procedure (where healthy tissue is pulled over the internal side of the fistula to keep feces or other material from reinfecting the channel). Treatments involving filling the fistula with fibrin glue or plugging it with plugs made of porcine small intestine submucosa have also been explored in recent years, with variable success. Surgery for anorectal fistulae is not without side effects, including recurrence, reinfection, and incontinence.

It is important to note that surgical treatment of a fistula without diagnosis or management of the underlying condition, if any, is not recommended. For example, surgical treatment of fistulae in Crohn's disease can be effective, but if the Crohn's disease itself is not treated, the rate of recurrence of fistula is very high (well above 50%).

Hope this helps you and glad you are here!!!!!!!! Hope you join our community!

 

[here_we_go]

Hi Pen,

Thanks for your message and warm welcome. I have done some research into surgery and other options and am disappointed that my doc won't entertain any other ideas. This is one of the many reasons I think I need a new doc. I'm waiting on the results of my MRI to find out more about my fistula(s). While I wait I'm going to read as much as I can about treatment options. I'm also going to research the other gastro docs in Toronto so that I can get a second opinion and take it from there.

All the best,
R :cat:

 

[Crohn's 35]

I fully understand where you are coming from. I started out with a great Gi in Brampton and he fought for me to get a confirmed opinion from a teaching specialist in Toronto where I got my diagnosis. Then I moved North and got a major quack and another to follow with a few small town gp and old general surgeon. It wasnt til I got to Thunder Bay and have a great gp and gi , problem is both are in retirement stages and now in the process of getting a new Gi and a teaching surgeon on bowel cancer and IBD. Yes, the process is slow and surgery is not always the last resort but having a second opinion is always in your best interest. Like some mechanics are bad, the doctors are the same. I would see a second opinion. Keep us posted.:wink:

 

[Lucy]

Hello R and welcome. I have worked for physicians for many, many years and there are some out there that do not have a good side bed manner. I agree with you find one that you like and that you are comfortable with. Not having a good relationship with your GI may cause you more stress and you don't need that. Have them copy your records and take them with you to the new doc so you know they are there when you are. I hope your MRI results come back with good news. Best of luck and give us an update. By the way Pen is a welath of knowledge and has super advice.

 

[DustyKat]

Hi R and :welcome:

Good to see you here. I can't add anything so I hope you find yourself a fab GI and all the best with your treatments! Good luck and welcome aboard!

Take care,
Dusty

 

[Entchen]

Hi, and welcome to the forum!

 

[Dexky]

Welcome to the forum R!! Good luck on the GI search!! Good to see you are taking such a pro-active approach.

 

[Astra]

Hi R
and welcome

Really hope you find a sympathetic doc, one who listens and addresses, there's nothing worse than a doc who fobs you off!
glad you found us, lots of friends here for you
lotsa luv
Joan xxx

 

[here_we_go]

You guys are awesome! I haven't had a chance to log in for a couple of days so here I am, Saturday morning logging into the forum and I'm greeted with all these great welcomes! Will definitely keep you posted and look forward to learning from you all!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Cheers,
R

 

[rottengut91]

Knowledge is power. Keep researching your options and don't be afraid to voice your opinion. The doc works for you, not the other way around. You're the one who has to live with the consequences of the treatment. By all means, if you're not comfortable with you current doc, find a new one.