Caring Together, Growing Better

Welcome to FistulizingPerianalCrohns.com!!

This website is the result of my journey through an incredibly challenging and life-altering condition—what specialists at UW-Madison described as the most aggressive case of Fistulizing Perianal Crohn’s they had ever encountered. My story, which I share in the blog section, is one of immense struggle. This disease pushed me to the brink in more ways than one: it nearly cost me my life, strained my marriage beyond repair, and left me navigating a maze of unfortunate circumstances.

Yet, even in the darkest moments, there is hope. Things have started to improve. On March 19th, I will have a consult with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, and for the first time since my near-death experience in December, I’m finally starting to feel more human. A key part of my recovery has been the use of herbal supplements, which I’ve received permission to share in the nutrition section of this site. I do not profit from these links, nor can I guarantee their effectiveness for everyone, but I hope they may serve as a steppingstone for those looking for alternative options. Over the years, I have spent countless hours researching various treatment approaches—surgical procedures, biologics, herbal supplements, and even GLP1 drugs—all of which I have documented here for you to explore.

Unfortunately, my experience is not unique. Treatment for Fistulizing Perianal Crohn’s is often mishandled, with overly aggressive surgical interventions taking precedence over the much-needed multidisciplinary team approach. With this website, I aim to share my story and amplify the voices of others facing similar challenges. I encourage you to share your story with me so that, together, we can raise awareness and drive change. I’ve encountered ER doctors and family physicians who admitted they weren’t even aware this specific condition existed, believing Crohn’s was nothing more than “an upset stomach.” This level of misunderstanding is unacceptable, and I hope this site helps change that.

I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to my primary care physician, who modestly says, “I’m just a PA,” yet managed to save my life when specialists failed me. With her help, I discovered vital information, effective herbal supplements, and adopted an anti-inflammatory diet that has been transformative.

The purpose of this site is to share information about treatments for Fistulizing Perianal Crohn’s, provide essential surgical aftercare guidance that is often overlooked by medical professionals, and promote healthier lifestyle choices. Many patients turn to support groups and online forums to figure out how to care for setons and fistulotomy wounds—something that should never be left to chance. This site also aims to spread awareness about the critical role mental health plays in managing chronic illness. Please note: this site does not replace proper medical treatment from trained professionals. Together, we can educate, advocate, and improve the lives of those living with this difficult condition.

Thank you for visiting. Please feel free to contact me using the form at the bottom of the page with any questions, comments, or concerns.