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Rectal/perineum fistula


Tue, February 11, 2014 12:19 PM

I have a fistula from my rectum to my perineum which is obviously very painful. I go through stages where it is open and then closed. Intercourse is painful whether it is open or closed and at times, it will irritate and open the fistula.  My husband is very aware of this and is always asks if he's hurting me. Of course i say I'm fine when I'm really not. I don't want to put that on him as he's already dealing with my other limitations with crohns. Is anyone else dealing with this issue? Is their anything that can be done about it?

FPO ctie
Joined Feb 11, 2014

Sat, February 22, 2014 9:11 PM

 Reply posted for ctie.

i have a rectovaginal fistula and because of this and the fact that i now have a colostomy bag, i am very afraid to even try to get into a relationship. the fistula and colostomy surgery both occurred during my now previous relationship. the fistula did affect my ability to enjoy sex, not all the time but some of the time it would cause quite a bit of pain. for some reason, i also experience a lot of pain in my lower stomach after an *** . not sure if that is related to the fistula or possibly scar tissue from the surgery, but it deters me from being in the mood. my biggest issue is the total lack of self esteem with my body now and having negative feelings about what man in the world is ever going to want to deal with all this. i know we are supposed to try to keep a positive outlook but sometimes that is so hard, especially when you can't take part in one of the really important parts of a relationship.

FPO saracoburn
Joined Feb 22, 2014

Sun, February 16, 2014 11:36 PM

 Reply posted for ctie.

The wonderful world of fistulas! My rectovaginal fistula healed with humira. I'm now on remicade and it's still healed. Intimacy is challenging for sure. My husband and I ended up in therapy as we weren't communicating well. An unexpected benefit? Talking about crohn's and the fistulas and how unattractive I felty and sometimes just not interested in sex. It helped tremendously to talk about it, for him to talk about his concerns and listening. 

FPO lisamiddleton
Joined Feb 1, 2014

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