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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 10/5/2015 2:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I have been diagnosed with a perianal fistula deep transsphincteric horseshoe fistula) with abscess. I've had three surgeries, with the last one five months ago. After being abscess-free during this time, a new abscess has recently formed.

I don't have a diagnosis of either Crohn's Disease or ulcerative colitis.

I'm concerned with the most recent developments of intense itching & rash on my shins which has been happening intermittently.

I've also developed soreness in the back of my mouth & a sore in the front of my mouth in bottom left inside just below the corner. It feels like a skin tag and looks red & it's sore. As fast as it developed it seems to be going away. I'd like to chalk it up to a hot drink I had yesterday.


Has anybody experienced these symptoms in relation to having perianal fistula?

Thank you so much for your advice!
Posted 10/5/2015 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
Are you on any pain meds or antibiotics? Developing an allergy to meds could explain the rash and itching.

Mouth sores are common with Crohn's flares, so it could be another indication you may have IBD after all. Crohn's affects the entire digestive tract, from mouth all the way down.
Posted 10/7/2015 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for this information, scifigal2k. I don't take any medications or antibiotics that might account for the rash & itching. Prior to my bout with infectious colitis a year ago, I had a severe rash & itching on my chest & lower legs. The Crohn's specialist was concerned but the review of my colonoscopy & other tests were inconclusive.

I decided to focus my efforts in treating the fistula as a standalone condition, though now I'm wondering if I should get re-evaluated given the return of my abscess & these recurrent symptoms.

I'm having a hard time approaching it this time around. When things were really bad with my fistula, I was determined to find out what was going on. After doctors visits, tests & surgeries, I'm kind of reluctant now to get to the bottom of things & wonder if I can just live the intermittent bowel problems, skin issues & recurring discomfort in the perianal & surrounding area.

I've been thinking of contacting another gastroenterologist who was very helpful to me early on in my journey. He's at another hospital on the area & he said he would be happy to help take a methodical approach to finding out what is going on.

Thank you again for your helpful advice!
Posted 10/7/2015 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
I would definitely talk to this other GI. The problem with just living with symptoms is that it can blow up in your face.....it can get so bad that you could go septic, get a perforated bowel, develop a blockage, etc.

Sometimes Crohn's can manifest itself extra-intestinally (not to be confused with extraterrestrially, lol). So a rash could be a sign that your Crohn's is flaring inside of you. Pleurisy is an example of this (where Crohn's inflammation is caused in the lungs) or arthritis (some people develop arthritis from their Crohn's). When Crohn's goes into remission, these conditions do as well. Rashes/hives are also autoimmune reactions, so they could be the Crohn's.

I am really concerned that you're not on any meds at all. Have you tried any before, like Remicade? The problems is that Crohn's caused your fistula, so it can NOT be treated on its own. Surgeries for fistulae that are caused by Crohn's are usually fairly ineffective. Remicade and other biologics are actually quite good at healing fistulae as well as going into remission.
Posted 10/8/2015 6:32 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much, scifigal2k! I've never taken Remicade, though my gastroenterologist suggested it even though I haven't been diagnosed with CD and both he & my surgeon didn't think it was a fistula related to CD. As a result, I decided to do the staged fistulotomy instead.

I think I need to re-evaluate my condition & get second opinions again. Judging by these symptoms & other recurring ones, I think this fistula may be related to CD.

Thank you again for your responses & I'll keep you posted on new developments with my diagnosis & treatment.

Wishing you improved health also!
Posted 10/9/2015 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks! :) Yes, please keep us updated. I am glad your GI brought up meds at least, even before a diagnosis. Have you had a colonoscopy to check for Crohn's, or did your GI and surgeon think it wasn't because of no other symptoms?
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