rectal fistula suggestions

by david
(buffalo,ny)

I have had crohns for over 30 years. I had 1 1/2 feet of bowel removed including my ilium. Since then I have had a draining fistula ,of which I could handle and live with. Recently, I have had abcess like pockets forming outside of my rectum. They are draining but they take awhile to empty.
I had tubes put in about 3 years ago and it helped for 3 years but after a few months the rectal specialist took the tubes out. I may need to get that surgery again but I was wondering if others could give me what has worked for them without having to go for surgery. The dr. did say that this next time he would leave them in permanantly. They didn't hurt but the outpatient surgery did. The dr. did say that these new pockets are draining and as long as they are draining, I should be ok. Just take 3 sitz baths a day but the pressure is still there.If these do close up I will need to see him immediately.
For 2 weeks I have been taking cipro & flagyl to calm down the flare up & the drainage which was always on my left side of my outer rectum. Since then,it has moved to my tailbone and then to my right side outer rectum under the skin. My left side no longer bothers me but it is my right lower rectum under the skin that fills up after I go to the bathroom. I try to push on it to help the drainage.
I am currently taking pentasa and my doctor is in the process of trying to put me on 6mp but this needs to clear up first. Sometimes, I think it is just me making it sound worse than it is but then again you find yourself not looking forward to go to the bathroom.
My questions are:
Is there a diet that could help me with this condition?
(My only problems from crohns are not my insides but when it comes out,filling into pockets from the fistula or fistulas. I say it is a simple thing but really it is a big thing....)
What natural vitamins have helped...?
I do go to a support group which helps but no one from my group is specific to my problem. This is also my 1st time writing on line & I have no idea of what type of responce I will get...
I think this is a great idea and I hope it helps many. Also, I believe that diet it very important but no dr. will tell you & there is so many products on the market it becomes confusing what is good for those with crohns and for our specific condition.