Crohn's Disease Discussion Board

jseberry · Joined: 25 Feb 2008 Posts: 2

Have a 17 year old with a fistula that his doctor did not diagnose as a fistula. He said it was just an abcess. Was given antibiotic ointment and waited 1 and 1/2 years for it to close. Then it got infected and the ER doctor knew what it was right away. Have had several surgeries on it since, and SLOWLY it is closing. Any suggestions on how to speed up closing a fistula. Also, any teenager cookbooks for a kid who likes to snack and eat like a teenager?
Hoping for some help,
Julie

admin · Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 26

Hi Julie,

I had the same problem - MULTIPLE ones that were taking forever to close...about 6 surgeries in my GI started me on Remicade for various reasons. That drug was new then and had shown some great results for Crohn's and fistulas.

Well, just a few weeks later, my next surgery the surgeon "closed things up" and came out shocked and surprised - he said that was my last surgery!

Since then I have been consistently on Remicade - no fistuals. However, for a year in the middle, I tried to get off of Remicade...quickly, I got INTERNAL fistulas, fell very ill and had multiple resections...

So, Remicade ROCKS - but I fear sometimes that it's a bit addictive...

But, anyways, oh well - I can actually LIVE my life now! I travel 3 weeks out of 4 (I'm young too by the way, 24) - I run my own business, I can drink with my buddies...

So, all in all, has he tried Remicade?

Hope that helps.

sarah143 · Joined: 17 Oct 2007 Posts: 11

How long did it take for the remicade to help?? I have been on it for about 6months now, and I don't feel any day to day changes. I'm not in the hospital and I don't have the constant pain anymore, however ALL other symptoms are still there, should I just hang in there?? what are the alternatives to the remicade?? everyone I talk to just raves about how great it is, but i've yet to be impressed Question