Anal Abscess Question & Help

Hi all -

I've been having some issues on and off for the past year, and when I finally thought I was getting over the hump, BAM, it creeps back up in a most unwelcome way.

My doctors have discovered that I have at least three active fistulas (cutaneous, rectal, and RV); they are partially draining, but clearly not enough as they have formed an anal abscess. I was all set to begin my Humira last week, but had to put that on hold due to high WBC indicating an infection (thus how the abscess was discovered).

For background, I have a lot of peri-anal issues (anal fissure last year, multiple skin tags, lots of rectal inflammation, and now the fissures). Now, as a next step, my GI, in conjunction with a colo-rectal surgeon I saw for a consult, are recommending a temporary ileostomy to allow the rectal region to completely heal.

I have been very lucky in not needing any surgeries related to CD during this time, so the thought of having this major surgery is freaking me out. Has anyone else experienced this and taken it as a next step?

I am even more upset because I am getting married in September and I don't know how this will affect that. But at the same time I don't want to continue to be on prednisone and be sick all the time. I have been on prednisone since Feb. 2009 and am still on a dose of 30 mg a day, and I've gained 25 pounds since starting on it too. I hate that drug!

Here are some of my recent blood stats - all indicators of an infection (the abscess):

WBC - 14.2 (high)

Neotruphils - 12794 /90% (high)

Lymphocytes - 824 (low)

Any similar experiences that can be shared would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

-bookgal

 

bookgal77~sorry to hear you are having THOSE problems...I've been there!

after years of problems, including fistulas, I had complications after a resection and went back into emergency surgery for a temp ileo...not a big deal and had it reversed 3 months later. Felt wonderful during that time and was actually enjoying life without running to the bathroom:)

Not long after the reversal everything was going south and after suffering for a while I ASKED for another ileo (my GI and CR Surgeon are both at a major teaching hospital) and although they thought that was the best decision for me, they let me get to that decision on my own:)

Fast forward 8+ years...I had my 'temp' ileo made permanent. Not everyone does that, but drugs weren't controlling my fistulas anymore and I failed all the others. Again, they let me come to the decision on my own, but that was their collective opinion, before I made the appointment.

Not everyone is the same and some have more complications at the surgical sites than other...I haven't (knock on wood) and I am prepared for the next decision, if needed. Some people do respond well when their rectums are given a break, but meds should always be included, but not necessarily pred.

I'd suggest going to the Ostomies Forum (quick jump) and reading some threads of others who have had to take that route. There is a lot of information there.