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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 4/21/2008 9:17 PM (GMT 0)

I have a recto vaginal fistula and I have had 3 sugerys. Now my dr. says if this doesn't work I have to have a colostomy. He just done my sugery in March and he put stitches, a patch and a flap. Im on flagl and cipro. I don't know if i should get another dr. or what.

Posted 4/21/2008 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have this issue (yet) but I wish you well. I have had 3 doctors in 8 years. I needed someone who listened to me and did not keep throwing new drugs at me. A second opinion is never bad. Good luck
Posted 4/21/2008 11:13 PM (GMT 0)
Is your doc a surgeon or a medical doctor? Just in case you didn't know, there is a difference.

I try to remember the old saying "If the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem you see looks like it's a nail". I have an enormous amount of respect for doctors, but the truth is surgeon's want to cut the problem out and the medical doctors want to prescribe it away.

I have both and they continually fight it out over what to do with me (I have multiple fistulae and regular external draining that has only seemed to respond to Remicade so far.) I take both of their opinions for just that, opinions. Informed opinions, but opinions nonetheless. It's your decision. There will be consequences either way so choose what your most comfortable with.

I agree wholeheartedly with cheergems, a second opinion is never bad. I'd even say you might want to reconsider going to a doctor who resents a second opinion. I personally feel a doctor should be able to help you understand the necessity of a procedure/prescription, not just tell you what he's going to do...

Scott
29yo, Dx April 2007 (after hiding it a few years out of embarassment)
Taking Asacol, Flagyl, 6MP, Cipro, Relafen
Posted 4/22/2008 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Helpme,

I am so sorry you are going through this! I agree -- get yourself a second opinion. If you can, go to a Dr. who is experienced with Crohn's. If you don't know one, look in the "Find a Doctor" on the CCFA.org.

Pancoaifo -- I like your 'old saying'. I'll go one further. We have to remember that surgeons in private practice get paid by the surgical procedure. No surgery, no money. So of course they strongly support surgery. I am fortunate enough to live close to a teaching hospital that is associated with a university. My Doctors are on salary -- so they don't push for surgery. They also tend to keep up with recent developments -- they are universty teachers too. And tend to consult and share information with their collegues.

Let us know how it goes with you Helpme!
Posted 4/22/2008 12:40 AM (GMT 0)

So sorry that you have to go through this.  I would absolutely get a second opinion,it never does hurt. A good doctor would "welcome" a second opinion,if he or she is confident.

Good luck,hugs :-)

Posted 4/22/2008 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
I got the recto vaginal fistula from having a baby. And he will be 3 this year. I feel like I havent been normal since I had him and never will again. I go back to the dr. on the 30th I hope he can tell if its getting better. I have some discharge but he said it may be old blood. But he did make it so it would drain through my vagina. Its like a yellow color. Some how I feel like my bladder is tide in with this.
Posted 4/22/2008 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Have you tried Remicade to close the fistula? lol gail
Posted 4/23/2008 1:20 PM (GMT 0)
No I havent how does that work?
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