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Fistula

Mon, December 01, 2008 9:15 AM

Hi. I had surgery to drain a perianal abcess resulting from a fistula back in July 2008. I still have not healed from that. My GI doctor says that he may increase my Humira in January to every week to try to heal it. My C&R surgeon says he would rather put in a Seton or a plug. I have read about Setons and it seems horrific. Has anyone had a surgery such as this one to take so long to heal? Am I being impatient? It is still draining, sometimes bleeding and is sore to sit on. Any advice would be great.

Thanks.

rjwc
Joined Mar 31, 2008

Wed, December 31, 2008 1:00 AM

Reply posted for rjwc.

I had a recto - vaginal abcess and it's been 11 years they drained and drained,had surgery(3) still not healed,i still have leakage and bleeding,Good Luck, I was told Humira was supposed to heal fistulas.And my dr had me on Flagyl.I would find out how long it would take for the humira to kick in,I hate to see anyone else go thru what i'm going thru now after 11 years,Good luck and keep us posted.

mygal03
Joined Dec 31, 2008

Sun, December 21, 2008 1:00 AM

Reply posted for rjwc.

Get on Remicade!! I had two peri-rectal abseses that I had surgery on and fistulas as a result. They put in drains ( i guess these are called setons) and I had to get a colostomy bag. Nothing healed my fistulas, I had the bag for 2 1/2 years. I started taking remicade and noticed results almost immediatley. The fistulas and the absesed areas completely healed up. I went in for surgery to see if things were completely healed, if they were, the docotor said he would reverse the colostomy while I was under. I woke up in the recovery room with no ostomy bag! Remicade changed my life! never any side effects and I still get infusions today.

juiceman
Joined Dec 21, 2008

Sun, December 07, 2008 12:34 AM

Reply posted for rjwc.

I have had a seton since Sept, you can see my other posts under new diag and symptoms. I had UC, but had a Jpouch 10 years ago. Now they think I might have Crohns. A seton keeps the fistula draining and clean so it can heal. It is not too bad. I look forward to having mine removed and going on Remicade to heal it. A temp seton even for a month may make the Humira more successful. My MD said there are no hard studies that Humira heals a fistula, but it probably would. He is plans to start me on Remicade after some more testing. I would give the seton a try, in order to avoid any more surgery.

louann
Joined Dec 6, 2008

Fri, December 05, 2008 1:00 AM

Reply posted for madison1097.

Thanks. I saw my surgeon this week and he decided that a plug would be better. So we'll see.

Merry Christmas!

rjwc
Joined Mar 31, 2008

Thu, December 04, 2008 10:37 PM

Reply posted for rjwc.

I had a seton placed to close a small perianal fistula. It was painful, but I wouldn't say horiffic. It did start to work it's way out, but it did heal my fistula and I haven't had another one since. Good luck with whatever you decide and I hope you feel better.

madison1097
Joined Sep 29, 2008

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