Well... the pain I was having in my tummy, back, and chest got worse as the evening went on, so about 11:30 I told my husband I thought we should go to the hospital. The pain wasn’t as bad as when my colon ruptured last year, leading to my ostomy, but it was getting close. 

We went to the Emergency Room and they started an iv, took some blood, and then gave me an anti-nausea drug, followed by a pain killer. After they got the labs back, they took me for a CT Scan. Then a lot of waiting

When they got CT Scan results, the doc came back in to talk to us. What guts I have left looked good to them. He confirmed what colorectal surgeon assumed - that there is definitely a fistula between wound and rectal stump. 😕

He couldn’t find any reason for the pain I was in, so he is assuming it was a Crohn’s flare up. Since I have never experienced the full nastiness of Crohn’s, due to not being diagnosed until after they removed my colon, I had no idea what a flare felt like. 

So he gave me a dose of steroids and a rx for more. And a rx for a drug that will “relax” my guts, and an anti-nausea rx as well. And sent me home in as much pain as when I arrived. 

I was in the ER about 4 hours total. I moaned and groaned for the drive home. Then I took a hydrcodone left over from my surgery last year, threw up, and went to bed. Sleep was a challenge, but the pain did start to subside. I would put it at a 3 now, creeping up on 4, where is was 8-9 last night. 

I am supposed to follow up with both my GI and the colorectal surgeon this week. Oh, and I have jury duty this week too. I’m also still waiting to get my second opinion scheduled. I called them last week and they had finally received everything they need and my file was in medical review, after which they will call to set up an appt. 

So, after a long crazy night, I am going to spoil myself with a very lazy day today!!

Liza, oh, I'm so sorry to hear the way your evening ended after such a good start! I'm glad to hear that you went to emergency and did not wait throughout the night, as I have found the sooner the meds start the better. Unfortunately pain does it have a way of radiating around the body making it all the more miserable. I'm glad you were able to finally fall asleep and get a little bit of rest. Definitely lay back and enjoy the day today as much as you can. With my guts I find if I eat soft foods during times that are causing issues it's does seem to help. Things like cream soups soups of any kind really, yogurt fruits that kind of stuff. Of course there are times when you just can't eat and that is understandable also. I hope you feel well soon and don't hesitate to see your own GP, or better yet your own GI if you feel things are not improving. As you know it can take a while for medication to settle in and do its thing. I will pray for a speedy recovery and for the flare to settle. Try and get some more sleep today. Let Tom look after you and get the rest you need.

@ileostony

Tony, thank you so much for your kind words!!

John and Linda - thank you both for your support and encouragement as well!!

Liza, I am really sorry to hear about your ongoing trouble. 4 Hours in the ER is a nightmare. I hope the pain stays under control and they figure out how to deal effectively with the fistula.

Thanks Dona.  I definitely hope they can figure out what to do with the fistula too. It goes from the wound to the rectal stump and since there is still significant Crohn’s in the rectal stump, the surgeon thinks that is why the wound isn’t healing. 😕

Liza,

This is saddening news indeed and so terribly frustrating when King Crohn's just won't relax his grip on a body. You have my prayers. Continue to be gentle with yourself.

Liza, if I could slap a fistula in the face, I would! Hate them and I'm sorry that you've got one. 

If it is Crohn's creeping back, I'm hoping you have an appointment with your GI to discuss a plan moving forward. 

Good luck! 

@veganostomy

Thanks Eric!!  Actually, I have 2 fistulas. 🤬 I have the one from my wound to the rectal stump. I also have one from an abscess I had 12 years ago. The surgeon said they don’t think it will ever heal, so they put a Seton ring in to keep it open and able to drain. And they said the Seton ring is a forever thing. And let me tell you, having it replaced every 6 months hurts like you wouldn’t believe. The Seton ring goes into the fistula through the opening in my butt cheek, up to where the abscess was and then comes out my bum and gets tied in a knot. Ugh. 😡 Stupid Crohn’s!!

Liza...I was cringing the whole time I read this! Your poor bottom! Yikes! Stay as well as you can! Has everyone had their flu shots this year? 

I had my flu shot, Linda!!