Fistula or hemorrhoids

[neuro11]

Hi, glad to finally find such a forum. I have already read few stories here and about some of the treatment processes. i am really scared now. Let me share my problem ....

it all started only a month and half ago. i felt terrible pain near anal area and also itching. it continued several days but randomly few times a day. the next week rectal discharge(no blood) started along with terrible swelling through my groin areas(left only). I had extreme pain whenever i washed the anal area with water. Then i went to doctor and after examining blood and stool samples over the week the doctor said the examination of the samples are all positive and said probably the pain is due to Fistula or hemorrhoids. He then forwarded me to a surgeon in a hospital but the earliest appointment i could manage was in 1 month's time(still waiting). He also told me the swelling thing is individual event and has no relation with my rectal pain/discharge and sent me to a dermatologist who gave me some cream to use. I had swelling on my left groin and after using the cream the area looked like cured. i stopped using it but the right groin started swelling from the next day. then i used it on that side but the situation reversed again. now i think this swelling is completely related to my rectal discharge problem.
Its really painful to wait this long to meet the surgeon as my situation sometimes get worse. often i wake up in the middle of the night due to itching. i need to wash my anal region to try sleeping again. even if i dont wake up, my sleep is extremely disturbed now a days. i cant walk more than few meters as i feel unbearable pain(like someone hitting that area with 100's of pins) near groin/anal region. rectal discharge is also very embarrassing and i have to use some tissues to continue my work in public places.
do you think my problem can be cured without surgery. i am really worried about surgery.....

 

[DJW]

Hi and welcome.

Sorry for the late response, I just saw this thread.

I've had fistulas and abscesses, they are so painful. I've even resorted to feminine pads to absorb the drainage. For me, a guy, that was humiliating.

Mine have always been drained under general anesthesia. The relief is AMAZING. you could try sitz baths to keep it clean. If it gets unbearable call the doctor or go to the ER.

Sending you my support.

 

[neuro11]

Hi and welcome.

Sorry for the late response, I just saw this thread.

I've had fistulas and abscesses, they are so painful. I've even resorted to feminine pads to absorb the drainage. For me, a guy, that was humiliating.

Mine have always been drained under general anesthesia. The relief is AMAZING. you could try sitz baths to keep it clean. If it gets unbearable call the doctor or go to the ER.

Sending you my support.

Thanks a lot for your reply...
I often take sitz baths and feel really good taking it. however cant take more than once a day.

I have a question regarding treatment. does the surgery or other such kind treatment solve the problem completely ?? my age is 30 now and had never suffered this problem before. reading different stories from other people, it seems to me there is no permanent solution for this. i mean problem is recurring in most cases. am i right??

 

[DJW]

It's been a while since I had one. Back then they opened it and packed it with gauze. I'd also be given flagyl. Mine never went away. I just kept developing more. Once I had my ileostomy they went permanently.

I've heard of remicade healing fistulas.

 

[M West]

I've only had one, and yes they are painful. Mine was drained under general anesthesia and packed with gauze until the draining subsided.

Try your best to keep the area clean until the wound heals. I used regular warm sitz baths with small amount of Epsom salt.

There may be a better solution now days. My experience was 35 years ago.

Hang in there. Relief is on the way.

Miles

 

[neuro11]

its the 6th week since the first symptom started(still waiting to visit my surgeon) and i would like to update on my condition. the itching thing has significantly reduced over the week time, dont wake up anymore in the middle of night and the quality of the sleep is far better. The foul discharge has also greatly reduced. But pain exists while i walk, wash my anus, cant strecth my legs on sides due to pain, pains in the lower end of the anum (this is still regular). Also the swelling in groin areas though not in large volume anymore, is not recovering completely (rather seems to be spreading some other nearby regions)
What i did over the week were, mainly changed my diet according to resources from internet. For example, consumed less sugar (usually i consume a lot), stopped eating spicy foods (was my regular meal),white breads (my usual breakfats), drinking tea, coffee, and has increased fibers in my meal etc.
I wonder whether the improvement is due to the change in diet or the pain is just giving me a short break ...