Temporary stoma to heal anal fistullas

[alison]

I had a stoma for 3 years and when I could afford it, I had it removed as I was completely healthy.
At that time it was thought that I had ulcerates colitis as my large colon was diseased and not my small intestine.
For about 4 years I was healthy and then I took on a very stressful cheffing job for one year.About a few months before my contract expired I started feeling unwell.
Runny eyes, back pain,vomiting,rashes and abscesses in the vaginal and anal area.
I was diagnosed with Crohns and had drains put in the abscesses which were the cause of fistullas.I had stool coming out of my vagina.
I was told I could have a bag again that would heal the fistullas but declined as I could not bear the thought of a bag again.
I am on immunosupressants now and when I can change my medical aid I can go on Humira.
My question is why cant I have a temporary bag to heal the fistullas and then have it removed.
Keeping in mind that the only time I have been sick in 23 years of having colitis/crohns is when I have had a long stressful experience.
If I could manage my stress better, could I not heal the fistullas with a temporary bag and avoid using my life savings for the Humira.Its very expensive and the doc says it would have to be taken for at least 2 years.

 

[AlliRuns]

Fistulas don't heal very well on their own, but there are other options. i have had one for almost 8 years and have since developed more. We have a whole forum for fistulas so please check it out.

Some surgeons choose to place a seton through the fistula tract, doesn't heal it, but prevents it from abscessing.

Some people have also had success with biologic therapy, Humira or Remicade. Personally, I started Remicade in Jan, and my fistulas are better than they ever had been. My GI said they may never 100% heal, but it is helping. But you're right, those options are very expensive long term.