I was diagnosed w Chrohn's about a year ago. While I was 7 mos pregnant I started developing horrible pain in my rectal area and the doctors couldn't figure out what it was. Had an MRI showing a mass so I was on antibiotics for the rest of my pregnancy. The pain was so bad I couldn't sleep and everyone told me it was probably related to pregnancy. Long story short, it was a horseshoe fistula. Doctors ran some blood tests and did a cell biopsy which confirmed Chrohns (I was 35 yrs old). Since then I have had 6 or 7 surgeries and now have 3 draining setons.
I started Remicade last year as well but nothing seems to work to heal the fistula. I have gotten used to the setons but as certain areas close up more the fistula can't drain as well so I end up back in my surgeon's office where she somehow opens up the area a little more and then the fistula drains better. The issue is when it can't drain it fills up and I get pain and pressure which is horrible. Right after delivering my baby, I started having psychological issues (I never had any history of this before) and ended up having to be hospitalized. It was really horrible and the doctors said it was a perfect storm (lack of sleep, chronic pain, anxiety of not knowing what I had, and being post-partum). Luckily I'm better emotionally now but I'm still so frustrated since I wish this fistula would stop giving me issues. I would love to find others who have dealt with fistuals like mine and to see if anyone had advice. I know there are some plug and flap procedures but I don't know if I'm a good candidate for that. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Dgg
I started Remicade last year as well but nothing seems to work to heal the fistula. I have gotten used to the setons but as certain areas close up more the fistula can't drain as well so I end up back in my surgeon's office where she somehow opens up the area a little more and then the fistula drains better. The issue is when it can't drain it fills up and I get pain and pressure which is horrible. Right after delivering my baby, I started having psychological issues (I never had any history of this before) and ended up having to be hospitalized. It was really horrible and the doctors said it was a perfect storm (lack of sleep, chronic pain, anxiety of not knowing what I had, and being post-partum). Luckily I'm better emotionally now but I'm still so frustrated since I wish this fistula would stop giving me issues. I would love to find others who have dealt with fistuals like mine and to see if anyone had advice. I know there are some plug and flap procedures but I don't know if I'm a good candidate for that. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Dgg