It's been a while since I posted about
having fistula surgery (end of July) I also had a CT-enterography to take a look at the small bowel. Turns out my official dx is perianal (sp) crohn's. I am so relieved to discover my small bowel is completely unaffected! Turns out all my problems are in the lower colon and rectum with low lying fistulas. Of course it's still no picnic. My fistula surgery/seton placement definitely helped with the infection, but I also had a vaginal fistula track and unfortunately it did not close. It really stinks to go back for a follow-up and have the surgeon say, "Well, it was a valiant effort."
My GI says he HATES steriods and doesn't want to use them - especially since my small bowel is not affected. After we talked for a little about my worst complaints (rectal pain and arthritis) WE (is was nice having real input in my treatment) decided to try steriod suppositories as needed and he put me on sulfasalzine. After two days with the sulfasalazine, I have a bit of a headache, but the joint pain is considerably better and no cd symptoms! Could be coincidence because I've been having mostly good cd days recently anyway.
We'll see what happens.