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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 2/1/2010 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
I just had my second fistula surgery last tuesday.  This is a rect/vaginal fistula.  This time, the doctor sewed up both ends, cut the middle and inserted a piece of mesch?  Anyway, still in alot of pain, and the surgery did not work.   Uggggg.  Seriously.  I am ready to throw in the towel.  1st surgery in July I had 9 inches of my colon removed. In September they did a recto/vaginal fistula flap repair.  In November, a Seton Placement and then the one last week.  Any ideas anyone????
Posted 2/2/2010 6:57 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, the mesh sounds unusual. I've heard of pig tissue plugs and I've heard of glue, but I've heard less about the mesh.

Have you been on any of the anti-TNF medications like Remicade or Humira?
Posted 6/15/2010 4:11 AM (GMT 0)
I have had Crohn's since I was 14 years old. Most of my life I had the flare-up (I call them mini contractions) sypmtoms. Flare up have been gone for years until after my first child. I am now 30 years old and after my first daughter I had developed a fistula between the vag/rec and it was ruining my life for 4 years (2 failed surgerys and 5 misscarriages) Until I was finally put on Remicade. It took 4 doses for my fistula to completely disappear and I actually got pregnant with no problems! Remicade is my miracle. I am now 35 weeks pregnant and feel great! Do your research and give meds a chance. Leaving with a fistula is hell on earth and anything is worth getting rid of it. Surgery is NOT the answer when your Crohn's is not under control by something. Good Luck.
Posted 6/17/2010 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
RemiLove31, did you ever try Humira for fistula? I am asking because I am suffering with a r/v fistula since FEb 2010. I've been on Humira since 3/18, and no change. I wondered if you tried that and if you saw any improvement. I had remicaide 10 yrs ago, so they are trying Humira on me now, but it's going on 3 months and no improvement yet. I read your post and felt happy to know that you healed and maybe there is some hope for me. Living with this is Hell. As I'm sure you know.

NDBC
Currently on 5 mg pred (hurray - down from 50mg), Lialda, Cipro, Humira, Vit D, B12 shots
Posted 6/17/2010 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
I am on Humira and have not noticed any change in my fistula. I'm hoping cause the Dr was talking about surgery with a 50% success rate. That doesn't sound like very good odds to me.
Posted 6/17/2010 5:37 AM (GMT 0)
When I was diagnosed with a perianal fistula, my GI said Humira was no longer an option because there are no studies showing Humira eliminating fistulas.

Remicade is the only thing known to get rid of them for good.

However, the combo of cipro/flagyl antibiotics almost got rid of it, but the side effects were too nasty.

I don't know what your GIs are thinking, but they should know better.

I've had only 2 Remicade infusions and the fistula has already stopped draining. I think one more infusion on Saturday will wipe it out completely. It'll probably do the same for you!

Posted 12/12/2010 12:58 AM (GMT 0)
I was just diagonised after my last colon scopy and Barrium enema, with5-6 Fistulas and a stricture in my small bowel. I also have pre-existing liver conditions caused by my Crohns and I do not drink or smoke and for the past year or so they have stayed within the normal range. I sure could use some helpful advice on the drug Humiria that my Gastro-Doc wants to put me on. He sent me home with a big packet of stuff and a video and had my husband watch it with me. He said that he would not try it because of the serious side effects and I certainly don't want to end up with liver failure!! Can you please offer any advice? Thanks--Silvergran shakehead
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