Take care of fistula first or start Humira?

Just got back from seeing the surgeon my GI referred me to to see if my fistula was absessed. He said he doesn't see any signs of absessing but that I should make a decision on what I should take care of first.

He says that if my flare isn't that bad that I should consider having surgery (a fistulectomy?) before I go on humira. It's not draining, it's not infected, and he says there is only a 50/50 chance that it will close it.

I don't consider my flare that bad, but then I don't usually have alot of pain, just D and urgency and feeling run down. Some days are worse than others. I also have a tendency to just ignore the flare until it gets really bad like losing alot of weight and getting really sick where I end up in the hospital. I'm trying to be proactive by getting on the humira before it gets too bad.

I personally don't see a reason to mess with the fistula at this point. Why go thru the pain of surgery for a 50/50 chance? Plus, I admit, I tend to view Dr's anymore on the same level as used car salesman. Only out to make a buck.

Guess I'm just looking for advice on which would be the best route to go.

Thanks broomhilda! I was leaning in that direction too, but was looking for some advice by people who may have been in the same situation.

No, I'm originally from Illinois, but living in Las Vegas now.

When I first met my GI, she wanted me to go on Remicade or Humira.

After my fistulogram, she said that Humira isn't shown to treat fistulas and that I must go on Remicade.

As my sig says, the Remicade was refused and I was put on Lialda.

Before the Lialda, I was very fatigued and the fistula had been draining off and on since september.

Now that I am on Lialda, it's only drained once in the past two months and my energy level has deeply improved.

Since the fistula isn't draining any more, I don't know what's going on in there. Externally, I have a lump/abscess and it's not going away any time soon.

In your opinion, is my case the opposite of yours? Since mine is abscessed, he would want to cut?

I'm still waiting for these stupid general surgery people to call me back.

This is just my opinion - if your fistula not infected and not draining - do NOT mess with it. I had fistulatomy in October 09, wound closed to about 95% and will not heal any more. I am in pain sitting and BM is mess - keep leaking after each BM. My CRS tells me he pretty much done - and there is nothing surgically he can do. I have been tested for Chrons - that was inconclusive - I am one of those people - For sure UC, maybe Chrohns. Had blood work - that was not clear, had capsule test - that did not show Chrons. I am really miserable, can's sit for any time longer then 20 min. My GI wants me to try Remicade and I am scared of possible side affect. I catch everything! I want to heal already and get back to my life!!!!!!