Has Anyone Experienced a Fistula to the Uterus?

I hope that someone can help me! I read the forum often, but rarely write in. I know that collectively you offer the best hope of finding someone else with this problem.

After 17 years of Crohn's disease, I had surgery in March of 2009 and now have an ileostomy. At the time, I had a recto-vaginal fistula form. I have had many issues with external fistulas, but they were closed with Remicade. I was on Humira at the time. After the surgery, the pathology reports showed anal cancer in the vagina and fistula tract, mostly caused by the inflammation and reduced resistance due to the Humira. After chemo and radiation, the doctors considered it a one-time event. I started having back problems 9 months later, and the CT scan in March 2010 showed a large pelvic abscess. After wearing a drain for four weeks, it was removed. Now it is back, twice the size. My back hurts worse than before, and the CT scan suggests a possible fistula tract to the uterus. I am also having vaginal discharge and massive leakage of pus and blood from the former drain site. I am back on antibiotics and due to get another drain on Wednesday.

What happens from there? Should I be back on Crohn's meds even though the CT scan does not show bowel problems anywhere else? The GI doc does not think the Crohn's is back. The colorectal surgeon and IR radiologist think it is the Crohn's.

Has anyone heard of this? Help!

Hi, I am sorry that I can't help with any advice per se, but I can offer some support as Queen of the rect-vaginal fistula (without any crohns or birth trauma) that just will not repair (had 12 years now) - it is now also ano-rectal and also opening on to my perineum - new surgeon says she can no longer see a rect-vaginal one but I'm not too convinced as still get drainage there I think(sometimes a bit difficult to be sure to be honest!) .... so am still there with you, next surgery 15th September, so we will see ......?



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Hope someone can give you some ideas



Take care



Rach xx

Ouch, I had a fistula once before in the crack of my {well you know}. I thought it was a hemorrhoid or something until it hurt so bad I went to the doctor. They drained it and put a stitch or two in, and I have not had any other, but feel the pain every time I think of it. The only med I can think of you are talking about may be prednisone. That is great stuff, but is it worth it? I surely would check with the doctor before taking anything like that.

I've had those fistulas for years but had no idea it can turn this way. I have no advice to offer, but please keep us posted on your progress. This is most interesting.  Thanks for posting. Best wishes for your recovery.

Yes, I had one and that is why I have a colostomy.  I don't know what else to say.  I just had it less than 2 yrs. ago and I will be 82 in 2 wks.  My colostomy is permanent and I don't know if the doc would have done anything else if I was younger.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister