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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 6/15/2011 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

I'm new to both HealingWell.com and forums. I've read them but never becuase a memeber so bear with me.

I was diagnosed with Crohn's in 2003 (21 years old) during which time I had a major flare up. Metformin brought remission. I was again flaring in 2004 with a completely different onset and similar drug therapy worked. To this point I have not had another flare up of intestinal crohn's but since 2006 I have been since suffering with fistula's and an abcess.

I had a draining seton "installed" in 2008 and minor no excruitiateing abcess pain since but I'm constantly dealing with the inflammation and draining. My doc will not do the surgery because of my crohn's. He says it can actually cause Crohn's patients to end up with a colostomy bag because of the crohn's not allowing healing. Anyone heard this before?

As a result, it seems to always be some kind of issue with it that I will admit is better than the abcess pain (golf ball size) but not better than feeling free of the constant draining, inflaming and general pressue.

Sure is nice to know that on here there's someone in the same boat. Feels sometimes like I'm the only one in the world who deals with these things!!

Talk to you all soon I hope :)

Posted 6/15/2011 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Willitquit and welcome to Healingwell!! I do not have experience with abcesses or fistulas, so hopefully someone who does will be along soon.

Are you taking any type of maintenance meds? If not, I have heard that Remicade is really helpful in healing fistulas. Also, the SCD diet is said to be really good for fistulas also.

Not so sure your doc is right on the surgery issue. We have many members who have had surgery on their abcesses and fistulas. Is your doc a GI or colerectal surgeon? If not, that is really who you should be seeing. Hugs!
Posted 6/15/2011 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
My surgeon also refuses to operate on my fistula, stating that having Crohns will lead to many potential problems and an increased risk of incontinence. Not really sure if I believe him though, as I've seen and read about dozens of people here succesfully having them operated on.
Posted 6/15/2011 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
I'm surprised to read about metformin being used as a treatment for Crohn's. Can you explain further?

I'm sorry you're frustrated with your condition. I think it is very important to demand solutions that raise your quality of life. All of our medical technology is not used well if we're only solving emergencies. Get a 2nd opinion.
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