Does a healed perianal fistula reopen

minnietoty

Veteran Member

Joined : Dec 2010

Posts : 3179

Posted 2/10/2020 6:26 PM (GMT 0)

Last year, an MRI showed that my perianal fistula had healed after being on Remicade for 3 years. A couple of months, I told my GI that I feel that I have the same symptoms I used to have before. His response was quite weird and said if you feel it reopened, you will have your MRI in March.
My infusion was due a couple of days ago and hopefully I'll take it in a couple of days, but symptoms recurred. For two days in a row, I have fecal soiling and shooting pain in the same place of the fistula. I know that relapse can happen but isn't this too soon? What should I do?

dbrookenz

Regular Member

Joined : Feb 2017

Posts : 110

Posted 9/23/2020 1:21 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Minnieoty,

I am sorry you're going through this awful experience with a fistula. From what you describe it sounds like the fistula has reopened. This is not uncommon for people on Remicade. I battled a perianal fistula for over two years. I didn't get Remicade but had 3 i&d, 1 failed advancement flap, 1 failed LIFT procedure and one more advancement flap that was successful. This experience took its toll on my mental and physical health. However, this is light at the end of the tunnel. Fistula take a long time to eradicate. As you see above, it took many tries before mine was rid of. Pester your GP and don't give up the fight!

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