Possible Crohn's disease

[ererer]

I have been diagnosed with "possible" Crohn's disease.  My doctor saw inflammation of the ileum during my colonoscopy and I have chronic anal fissures which keep turning into fistulae.  I had 6 treatments of Remicaid and did not get any kind of relief.  I am wondering if there is anything else I can do to try to get rid of these fissures and fistulae.  Please help.  This is very painful for the past six years.

[Ogz]

After the surgery I spent a week in the hospital (only due to complications) but by the end of the 2nd week I could walk on my own without help and felt great.  They normally say 3-6 weeks, guess it depends on how fast your body heals.  The more you get up and move (even though trust me, you'll want to stay laying or sitting down) the faster you will feel better.

[ererer]

Thanks for the comments.  How long does it usually take to recover from the colostomy/ileostomy?  I am seriously thinking of it because it is so depressing to have these fistulas.

[Ogz]

Hello!  I had the same problems that you did.  I was diagnosed with Crohn's in July of 2008 and have tried multiple medications and the strongest treatments on the market.  Nothing helped.  After my last stay in the hospital in November 2009 my GI doctor sent me to a surgeon due to having multiple fistulas, absesses in my intestines, ect., and the remicade was not helping at all.  Surgery was the only option because things were only getting worse.  If the remicade is not helping surgery may be something you want to look into.  It should be a last resort but definitely look into it.  I had mine on January 4, 2010 (but to prevent complications I had an ileostomy to allow my intestines time to heal, I get the reconnection surgery done on May 24th) and all things considered I feel great.  For the first time in 2 years I wake up in the morning and don't have to reach for pain pills just to get through the day.  Just look into your options because remicade is one of the strongest meds out there and if that isn't helping....    I hope this helps!

- Danielle