Hubbys in the hosp with an abscess. this is the first one hes had. very concerned what to expect. what is a fistula? They didnt mention that but maybe he has that too. theyre going to try draining it tomo and possibly removing it. is this a big surgery and what is recupe time? Will he be able to go home right away and do these keep coming back? he will be looking into a maintenance med. not sure what theyll give him. pls any feedback is appreviated im feeling very in the dark. thx
6cm.abscess
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Hi, sorry that you are going through this. Has he been diagnosed with Crohns? That will affect the answers to some of this.
theOcean
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I had an abscess drained and a seton inserted in my fistula in December, and went home the next day because we caught it so early. It depends on how bad your husband's case is.
Abscesses aren't so bad. They're drained and left to heal. Fistulas are more complicated. EDIT: sailorluna explained what a fistula is better.
The surgery isn't that big, and shouldn't take too long. An incision is made for the fistula and a seton (a "drain") is usually inserted, though it's usually just a surgical string/tubing that's left in the area to keep the wound open so it can drain for an extended period of time. Otherwise, there's a chance that it will just get reinfected and cause another abscess. So it's good to have a seton while it's healing, and they can be removed later.
If he has a fistula, they will likely suggest maintenance medications like immunosuppressants (6mp, Imuran) or biologics (Humira, Remicade). These both really help fistulas heal, particularly the biologics, which I would recommend strongly and am on myself.
Fistulas are incredibly difficult to heal for people with IBD, and there's a low chance of them ever closing, but those medications increase that chance, and also help it stop draining. Within a month of being put on Humira, all drainage stopped for me -- and even less with another abscess I've unluckily had since.
If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them! I've had a lot of experience with this, unfortunately.
Abscesses aren't so bad. They're drained and left to heal. Fistulas are more complicated. EDIT: sailorluna explained what a fistula is better.
The surgery isn't that big, and shouldn't take too long. An incision is made for the fistula and a seton (a "drain") is usually inserted, though it's usually just a surgical string/tubing that's left in the area to keep the wound open so it can drain for an extended period of time. Otherwise, there's a chance that it will just get reinfected and cause another abscess. So it's good to have a seton while it's healing, and they can be removed later.
If he has a fistula, they will likely suggest maintenance medications like immunosuppressants (6mp, Imuran) or biologics (Humira, Remicade). These both really help fistulas heal, particularly the biologics, which I would recommend strongly and am on myself.
Fistulas are incredibly difficult to heal for people with IBD, and there's a low chance of them ever closing, but those medications increase that chance, and also help it stop draining. Within a month of being put on Humira, all drainage stopped for me -- and even less with another abscess I've unluckily had since.
If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them! I've had a lot of experience with this, unfortunately.
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A fistula is a tunnel from one organ to another. Often from bowel to skin but not always. Some get them from bowel to bladder, vagina or another place in the intestine.
Where is his abscess located?
Where is his abscess located?
theOcean
Moderator
They probably were talking about a seton, which I explained in my post above about what the surgery is like and what to expect. It's inserted in the fistula to keep it open and draining properly, as otherwise another abscess might form.
Thx ocean and sailor i had to giggle your two names go together lol i think ive been too stressed....ocean ty for your reply its eased my worries a bit. The fear is of the unknown. Meds are not my thing but im seeing we have no choice here. the reality is he will need something to deal with this disease. im praying he gets better. this abscess is pretty big 6cm
So maybe he does have a fistula. I know his skin on his tummy hurt a lot. im going there today so will ask questions thx
theOcean
Moderator
That sounds about the size of my old one, too, if not a bit smaller... I'm sure he will be fine, it will just take time. After the surgery and once he's properly medicated, he will hopefully be able to enter remission.
And I absolutely know what it's like to be scared of the unknown with this! I really didn't have anything explained to me when I had my surgery, and had to educate myself completely after the fact. But now, I feel so much more comfortable dealing with it because I have that knowledge, even if it's an unfortunate, unlucky thing I'm dealing with. I really hope the best for you and your husband. :hug:
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Is the abscess on his tummy? You mentioned that the skin there hurt. I had assumed it was on his bottom. They can certainly be on the tummy too. I am uncertain if they can do a seton if that is the case or if they use a different type of drain. Generally a fistula would show up on a CT or mri but they are tricky and sometimes do not show up.
