Fistula operation 6 weeks ago, still bleeding...

[Ajs]

To give the full story, I had a large pilonidal abscess removed back in Feb and a seton stitch put in place after the operation to help the fistula heal up.

Last month (9th July I believe) I had a follow up operation to remove the seton and the fistula was left 'laid open' to try and heal on its own. I was told to try and clean the area after every time I went to the toilet for the next week or so (which I did) and given some anti-biotics. It's now been over 6 weeks since the operation and it's still bleeding when I'm going to the toilet so I'm worried it's not healed up properly. The bleeding this week actually seems worse than it was a couple of weeks ago. I'm pretty sure the blood is coming from where the fistula is/was and not from my anus if anyone is thinking it's just 'normal crohn's bleeding'.

Was just looking for some advice from someone who'd had experience with fistulas, I have a follow up with the surgeon in a couple of weeks but I'm not sure how worried I should be atm.

 

[David]

Antibiotics alone often won't close fistulae. Some get lucky but most do not. Are you on any medications for Crohn's as well?

 

[AlliRuns]

David is right, antibiotics won't close the fistula. I personally have never had any positive experience with antibiotics for fistulas. They help the fistula temporarily, but as soon as I stop taking them, it's back to where it was and you can't take flagyl forever. Flagyl also makes me really sick,so I only take it if it's REALLY necessary.

Sorry to hear you are still having trouble, I don't have any positive advice though :-( I had two surgeries, one where they were just laid open (did nothing), and one with setons, neither surgery was helpful and my fistulas are worse than ever. If the blood is bright, it's probably from the fistula (at least that's my experience). My opinion (and this is my opinion only), surgery is not worth the pain it causes.

 

[Ajs]

Okay thanks for the replies guys, guess I'll just wait it out until I see the surgeon again unless the bleeding gets drastic.