Remicade and epithelial lining

[earthshine]

Hi
My Dr mentioned the epithelial lining which forms in a fistula tract over time sometimes prevents it from healing.

If someone takes remicade, does the tract close completely and if so how? Or do you need to leave seton in always, even if tract collapses?

 

[earthshine]

Does the dr go in and scrape the lining out?

 

[Lisa]

I had multiple fistulas and did not undergo any surgical procedures for them. I started Remicade after having the fistulas for at least a couple of years and the Remicade allowed them to heal with no issues.

 

[earthshine]

I had multiple fistulas and did not undergo any surgical procedures for them.

Thank you Lisa.

Did your fistulas have setons in? How long did it take to heal? And did you have to stay on the remicade after they healed, if so, how long?

My Dr said I have complex fistulas, which act like crohns.
All Gi testing was negative

 

[Lisa]

No, I had no outside treatment for the fistulas - the surgeon I saw just kept an eye on them. Once I started Remicade the fistulas healed up on their own within a month or two.

I've been on Remicade now for 10 years.....

 

[earthshine]

Interesting.

Did your fistulas form abscesses? Were these anal fistulas or internal fistulas?

 

[Lisa]

Interesting.

Did your fistulas form abscesses? Were these anal fistulas or internal fistulas?

No abscesses that I was aware of....and I had peri-anal and recto-vaginal ones.