Fistulas, Fissures and Abscesses Support Group

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@ready

I have undergone a successful sphincterotomy for a fissure. The recovery took just 1 week. I have then developed a very complex anal fistula due to a rectal abscess. I do not qualify for Lay open Fistulectomy (or Fistulotomy, not sure which). But if I do, I will take it w/o a second thought. It is the most successful surgical cure for low anal fistula. Many folks undergo this relatively simple procedure and get better in few weeks to few months without, and this is important, recurrence of fistula.
 
I can't speak to the recovery from having LIS & fistula surgery at the same time, but I can say my fistula surgery went well and the recovery was not as bad as I had expected it to be. Having the fistula fixed also seemed to help allow the fissure I had to also heal so it was a win-win in my case.
 
My name is Felicia. I have diverticulitis, liver disease, gluten intolerance, an abscesst and waiting to see if I have Crohn's. The abscesst is almost healed but red and sore today. Is it normal to get that way towards last week of healing? No infection noticed.
 
Just finished up a month of antibiotics for a fistula. That along with humira has not healed the fistula my GI had hoped it would. I go back on Wednesday and the next step is surgery. First time dealing with this so I was wondering a ball park recovery time?

Also I still have multiple BMs a day with blood. Last week I had to take a half a box of imodium just to be able to go to my niece's wedding. My GI tells me its part of the disease and nothing I can do. I feel he is full of crap and have been told to change doctors. He also chewed me out because my family doc wrote me a script of pain killers. "I have been in a 5 month flare", just to take the edge off. Should I take advice and find another doctor?
 
Pottytime,

Your GI is right - this disease is brutal. It is generally a good idea to see a Colo Rectal Surgeon for this, than a GI doctor. Blood, pus, pain, fecal matter through the external opening are all the norm. I have undergone 6 I&D surgeries in the USA with a "famous" CRS from bay area, CA, but didn't see any improvements. It all started in Nov 2013. In my case, I suffered from pain level of 7 or 8, every single day since its inception. Understand the anatomy of your condition very well as there are many different surgeries available for fistula. Position of abscess, position of internal opening and external opening, sphincter muscle involvement .. etc are all the different factors that decide the treatment and outcome.
 
You are all so much stronger than I am. I don't think that I could emotionally and physically withstand all of the surgeries and procedures that you have had to suffer through. I had a really bad experience in 1992 with a Colon and Rectal Surgeon. I had an anal fistulectomy. It healed up and no problems since. But he was the last Colon and Rectal Surgeon I have seen. I have had 2 rectal abscess surgeries. One was done by a General Surgeon that I was referred to by my Primary Care Physician ( it was an emergency and I went to the hospital the very next day. LOTS of pain! ). The next time I felt something going on "down there" and I felt pain and I went right to the Emergency Room and they did the surgery the next day.

Yesterday and today I am feeling discomfort sort of in the area between my anus and vagina. Of course I am in a panic. I suffer from anxiety. And I live alone with no relatives or friends to help me. Plus, right now I have c-diff, so the last place I want to be is in a hospital or a doctors office because I am infectious.

I will try to sleep tonight. I don't know how you all have jobs and still get through this. I am disabled and have not worked since 2009. I'm tired.

Good Night.😴
 
Pottytime: None of my doctors will give me pain killers, especially my Primary Care Physician. My Rheumatologist and Orthopedist ( new ones last year ) have not given my me any pain killers.

The only place I get morphine or hydrocodone is in the ER or hospital. My Psychiatrist won't even give me more Clonazepam for my anxiety. Clonazepam is a controlled substance and can be addictive. Really, no one wants me to feel better ?
 
readytoheal said:
Hi! I am brand new to the forum and so glad to have found some support! This is such an isolating problem and very difficult to talk about with friends and family. I just quit my job at a preschool today. I had taken too many days off and my boss was sick of my absences. I tried to explain by saying I have a tear in my intestinal tract. I think she was sympathetic but not entirely understanding.

I have struggled with fissures my whole life. No doc has ever tested me for Crohn's or UC (my uncle has UC) and my dad has IBS. I have never had a full scope because the clean out/prep would be too painful. Had a failed LIS surgery while overseas in 2010. Basically never healed that incision. Tried botox 1.5 years ago. Now the thing has grown a small fistula.

CRS says surgery is my only option. He wants to lay it all open and perform a proper LIS. I am scared crapless;)

Any advice? Do I go in for another surgery? What's the recovery like for a simple fistula near the anus and an LIS surgery at the same time. THANK YOU!!
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Sorry for all you been through. We all have story. If you have a abscess it does need to be drain. I had one opened in his office. That hurt really bad but once he cut and drained it pain went from a 10 to 3. I've stated off with one seton then another and finally I have 3. The seton allows it drain. sitz baths helps. But if an abscess active with no way to drain just make it bigger issue. Do You have a low fever? Seton's need to down in surgery. I'm not fan of this either. There no magic drug yet. Take something to losen your stool. Do not push! Pushing causes rip to increase in opening.

Hope thing start to improve. Need a good GI and surgeon.
 
It's been a while since I've posted anything, but I saw this in my mail and had to reply. #1 if your multiple BM's still hurt and still have blood, and it's colorectal, you should definitely be taking some knockoff brand of MiraLax. This stuff has saved my life. Additionally I find that protein is hard on my system, so along with removing ALL nuts, lentils, seeds, & beans from my diet (except once in a blue moon - and I also still drink soymilk & almondmilk), I've been taking cultrelle & another set of probiotics lately, which seem to help. From my own experience, the anti-inflammatories don't help if the flare-up is still happening, especially if abscesses are present. I had to get surgery where they fill in the bad areas with antibiotics and used two setons to drain the rest. Additionally, I would put an ice pack on my behind twice daily, which helped immensely. But just remember hands down, the thing that helped the most (which I also learned from these forums, long after I lost confidence in my GI doc), was the MiraLax.

Hope this helps.
 
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I saw my colorectal surgeon recently.I see him every three months since the fistulotomy/seton placement nine months ago.I have five fistula and three draining setons.There seems to be no worsening of the two fistula with no setons and the three with setons are looking good.I have not felt any sign of new abscesses and he said there was no sign of new ones forming.That is encouraging.
 
POTTYTIME!

I read through some posts and,in my opinion,a GI you can trust is important.Do you have the option of switching to a new GI? The GI is the one who,after consultation with us,forms the plan for fighting this disease.I switched GI's and am pleased I did so.Switching GI's may be easier said than done,but it is worth looking into,in my opinion.Good luck.
 
Ok. I dont know if mine is an all around doctor or I need to see another doctor. There is atleast one of the doctors in that clinic that is an all around doctor. Will find out Wednesday.
 
Thought about it. I hate to do that though. He has been good until my last visit. We had already discussed surgery on my small intestine. Went for the CT SCAN and an MRI. well they both showed I have AVN in my hips. Said my intestine was looking better. He swears the humira is working. I feel somewhat better. I still have pain that stops me in my tracks. I still have 5 to 10 BMs a day, with blood and mucus. I had to take a half a box of imodium just to be able to see my niece get married. Three days later I had to take the other half because I had over 10 BMs in one day and felt like I was using barbed wire for TP. Now his best guess is " just part of the disease"! Now if I still have the same problems before I started all these test and taking 10 kinds of meds that has the possibility of some major side effects, WHY am I taking it?

But on my fistula, he wants to fix that.
 
I developed a fistula on my abdomen after a small bowel resection. It opened up on the incision line 2 weeks after surgery and I've had it 5 years since. It's like a small stoma and no one seems to know how to make it go away. Does anyone else have this?
 
Going to see a colorectal surgeon next month. Looking like I get to go under the knife. Also having a CT SCAN on my spine. My GI thinks the Crohn's Disease has invaded my spine.
 
Hello There: I'm a newbie to fistulas, in fact im not even sure its what my lastest problem is, Im not sure how descriptive I can be, but if someone can give me a little info on maybe I;ll have and easier time describing my very symtoms.
 
I just changed GIs late last year. I had been with the same practice for years and they had diagnosed me with IBS. I saw 3 different doctor's there and was never very fond of any of them. I changed to a new practice last year when I developed a fissure (saw a CSR first and she said I needed to get my "IBS" in control or the fissure would never heal). So I found a new GI and he ran some bloodwork (that my former GI never ran) that indicated Crohn's - cue new colonoscopy, etc. He works well with my CSR (I had to have surgery for a fistula) and I am really happy to have changed over to his practice. I even told my SIL about him and she changed from the old practice to his and she likes him too. So yes def worth looking into and 'shopping' around to find a doctor you like and that will actually listen to you!
 
In the last little bit he finally got his head out of his rear. Referred me to a colorectal surgeon. Also he thinks the Crohn's went to my spine, so im having a CT SCAN today. Praying all goes well.
 
I had an abscesst drained and I've been healing for 6 wks. It is almost completely healed with no trouble, except last week I've been having pain above the area towards my tail bone about 4 inches in length. Anyone have this happen or know why?
 
I agree, if you do not like your doctor, look for a new one ( if that is an option for you). I have gone to doctors who are not professional in the way they speak and the way they do things. Then, also, sometimes the Staff sucks and the Referral person, Doctors medical assistant and/or Billing code specialist have no idea what they are doing ! And sometimes I can just get bad vibe or an uncomfortable feeling about a doctor. If a doctor is not meeting your needs and you cannot communicate with him/her don't be afraid to shop around. I have changed my Primary Care Physician and my Gastroenterologist since last year. Though sometimes I also have to change doctors because of my health insurance plan. I lost a really good Gastroenterologist AND Gynecologist because they were not listed with United Health Care in the Banner Health Network. Stupid insurance company ! : - 0
 
Hi I'm new to this group I have had Crohn's disease for almost ten years. New to my disease are these vaginal/recto fistulas? Is that what they call them? Anyway they are so painful I cannot do anything how does everyone cope? I'm getting real depressed I think :( I just had my colonoscopy which made the fistulas worse and they started me on metronidazole aka flagyl and I'll be going in to start humira next week. Will all this help me heal? I just need to be able to work out or something but I can't cause it's so painful. Advice please :depressed:
 
Tkirby

I have been on flagyl for over a month, on cipro now. If im no better in 3 weeks, I have to have surgery on my anal fistula. Im also on Humira to boot, but nothing is working. Hope all gets better for ya.
 
Im kinda tired of waiting on this. The pain sux. I guess I trust my surgeon being he is over all of colorectal surgery for Ochsner New Orleans. I just wish someone would do something. I would like to be able to sit sometime. Thanks for your support. I send mine also.
 
Hello again, all. I was previously on this group under the username ey218, but somehow was unable to log on. So I just signed up again.

I was doing much better and stopped visiting for a while. That's a bit selfish on my part, I know. I abscessed again recently and required surgery. They put a seton in... Again... And I had a temporary drain which consisted of a plastic tube coming out of another fistula tract. They removed that drain a week ago and some of the pain has subsided.

But it just got worse. I saw my GI on Thursday. Obviously the Humira is not working. We are switching to Entyvio and 6 MP. If that doesn't work, I'm looking at an illeostomy. I just wasn't ready to hear that. I'm sorry to unload and even more sorry to do so when I haven't participated and offered support to others here.

I guess I just felt the need to type this out and hear from people who live with this awful disease. I'm really at a loss and feel so helpless. At times, I feel completely at the mercy of what happens with this disease. Thank you for reading this and to each of you, please know that I want to offer each of you my support and prayers/positive thoughts in dealing with this miserable disease.
 
Tkirby said:
Hi I'm new to this group I have had Crohn's disease for almost ten years. New to my disease are these vaginal/recto fistulas? Is that what they call them? Anyway they are so painful I cannot do anything how does everyone cope? I'm getting real depressed I think :( I just had my colonoscopy which made the fistulas worse and they started me on metronidazole aka flagyl and I'll be going in to start humira next week. Will all this help me heal? I just need to be able to work out or something but I can't cause it's so painful. Advice please :depressed:
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Humira seemed to decrease my symptoms for a while. However, it never closed my fistula and I recently abscessed again. I know it works for a lot of people and there is some good info and good people in the Humira support group.
 
Well I'm going to stay hopeful and pray a lot! I'm scared Thursday I'm getting a seton placed:/ and starting humira has anyone had a positive experience by doing these things? I'm starting to worry that I won't heal at all. So scary!!
 
TKirby,

Many people have had healing and good experiences with Seton placement and Humira. Just stay positive, and you will most likely do well. I will say a prayer for you as well.

Please send some positive thoughts my way, too. I'm going in to see the CRS today as I'm having some rectal pain and my GI is a bit concerned. Hopefully it is just post surgical stuff, but better safe than sorry.
 
Praying for you! I hope it all goes well today and if it doesn't one day at a time. Sure does make me thankful to feel good that is when I feel good:/ we will heal I know it just gotta have faith and get through these rough patches :) best of luck today!!!!
 
Everything looked okay today. No abscess forming. The pain is from the seton.

I'm continuing with the antibiotics and starting the Entyvio next week. I'm relieved that I'm not going through the prep for another ano-rectal procedure tomorrow!
 
Yay!! Love the great news;) so glad it went well for you do you think the seton is worth doing? I have to get the first one ever on thirsday I don't completely understand how it helps or works??
 
Tkirby said:
Yay!! Love the great news;) so glad it went well for you do you think the seton is worth doing? I have to get the first one ever on thirsday I don't completely understand how it helps or works??
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I do hope it works for you. I did respond on the humira once I went a shot ever week. Then I had abscess again. Some people respond differently to these drugs. I'm not one. On remicade now 6 mp and 3 seton. 4 surgeries this year already. I need something to work soon. at least we can understand what each one is going through.:ybatty:
 
Tkirby,

The seton passes through the fistula tract and hopefully drains the bad stuff out so you don't abscess. I did not abscess when I had the seton in last time. We had hoped that the Humira would close the fistula once the seton was removed, but it did not. I have several fistula tracts and they just would not close which led me to further abscess in April.

While the seton is in, the fistula cannot close. The hope is that the Humira will lessen the inflammation to the point where your physicians feel comfortable enough to remove the seton, and allow the fistula tract to heal from the inside out (so no puss gets trapped).

Many people respond well to Humira, and if you haven't already, head over the support group and get information because they truly are great people who want to help.

I'm with you Kevinsplumbing... I'm starting Entyvio a week from today and hoping it works because this constant abscessing, etc. cannot continue. Wishing you all the best.
 
That's a lot of great info thank you both! I hope it works I spent Mother's Day in the ED cause it hurt so bad :/ I hate all these drugs wish we didn't have to take them.
 
Tkirby,

I'm sorry to hear about your Mother's Day. The best advice I've received so far is from my CRS and that was no matter what gets thrown at you, remember to stay positive. That's the only thing you can control. Deal with each trial as it comes to you and don't worry about what's next. That's much easier said than done, but it's worth a shot. Good luck tomorrow.
 
Tkirby,

I have been through the Fistula+Seton+Remicade/Humira experience. It does take a lot of physical and mental energy out of you but the end result/goal is worth it.

I did not respond too well to Remicade and switched to Humira and also increased my 6MP and Lialda dosage which eventually helped closing the fistula. It is a trial and error process unfortunately as each person responds differently but it helps to have an experienced and compassionate GI and surgeon team that work well together.

Good luck with your treatment and I hope you feel and get better.
 
Today my fistula seton process didn't work out. So now I am scheduled to be put under general anesthesia to get the setons in:/ ugh what a process! I really am hopeful it will all work out in the end but it sure is mentally and physically draining. The good news is the cypro & flagyl antibiotic combo seem to be working well and I'm not in pain:) that's a huge plus! How's everyone else doing?
 
Hey there Tkirby,

Sorry to hear it didn't work out today. I was twilighted for both setons. I'm glad to hear that the Cipro/Flagyl is working for you. Keep us posted on your next surgery. You're right! It is draining physically and emotionally.

My lethargy seems to have passed. However, my pain is still pretty bad and getting worse. I'm just waiting to move to the next treatment. That's all I can do.
 
I'm so sorry your in pain:( it's the worst thing ever I couldn't do anything. What does twilighted mean? They didn't do anything for me except bend me over and try to poke me, talk about embarrassing! I don't even let my husband move that fast lol;) gotta try and laugh about these crazy, embarrassing, painful experiences
 
Hey there,

I can't imagine not having some anesthesia. The first thing I ever noticed was an abscess. I didn't go to the doctor right away because I'd never had any symptoms of Crohn's. I saw my GP who sent me to the CRS right away (they're in the same practice). He drained the abscess with just a local anaesthetic and it was very painful.

I was going in every morning because the cavity was so deep they had to pack it. My understanding is they try not to do that. Anyway, I have made a very long story too long already, but after a couple of weeks, they took me to the OR and gave me propofol so I was asleep when they placed the seton. I wasn't under general (I.e. Incubated). That's the first I heard of Crohn's after that operation. I then began the journey of medications, more abscess, another seton.

It is just awful having someone back there, but it's what we got to do. I'm sure it will be much easier with anesthesia and the seton will hopefully help you with the pain.
 
POTTYTIME! said:
Whats happening/ your issues?
Click to expand...

I've had a mild abscess for the past two weeks and I'm not really sure how long to wait before going to the ER. My last one was really serious so there was no question about it but this one is taking its time so its not clear when I should go/let work no and such.

I'm not allowed to post links yet (new member) but I made a longer post about it in the 'surgeries' forum.

The short of it is my abscess at the moment is rather painful and not responding to antibiotics for two weeks but is only visible after I go to the washroom so i'm not sure if I should wait for it to get worse like my other one or go to the ER sooner than later.
 
Sorry to hear what u r going through. Its hard to say when is the right time to go to the er, due to the fact if it is not bad enough they will not do anything. But on the other hand, it may help you get to the doctor quicker. If its an abscesses, surely they would drain it?
 
POTTYTIME! said:
Sorry to hear what u r going through. Its hard to say when is the right time to go to the er, due to the fact if it is not bad enough they will not do anything. But on the other hand, it may help you get to the doctor quicker. If its an abscesses, surely they would drain it?
Click to expand...

I'd hope so but that's the thing, when I look at it in the mirror its hardly even noticeable but its pretty painful. The only time I can actually see anything besides a red area is right after I go to the washroom. An hour or two after that it goes back to just being a red area.
 
Ugh I feel ur pain I spent Mother's Day in the ED for the same thing. If I were you I'd go and I wouldn't have said that prior to this last experience I just had similar to yours. They gave me some pain pills to help me get trough the day and combined antibiotics which helped a ton!!! The next day I felt better no pain and didn't need the pain meds they gave me:) you never know having another docter look at it they may come up with a solution that the previous doc didn't think of. I did tell them they were not cutting me open with out anesthesia. You shouldn't suffer though that's what I took away from the experience I was miserable for a week before I went and I shouldn't have waited. Best of luck praying for ya
 
I appreciate it guys. I think I'll talk to my boss and see if I can get some more time off and then go by the ER on Monday.
Cheers!
 
Yeah, man, I agree with the others. Go to ER. The worst they can do is discharge you with something to help with the pain. If you're lucky, there will be a CRS that can see and assess you.
 
I noticed the site was down earlier today, Pottytime, so I'm using Tapatalk. I did not notice any change prior to that.

Thoughts and prayers with you, Tkirby. Let us know how it goes.
 
Everything went well thanks for asking! Today I go get the four humira injections. Hope all this works and I can get back to myself again:) I'm hopeful! How's everyone else doing?
 
Well this some some major BS. Yesterday my abscess was killing so I went to the ER and sat there waiting for an MRI for 9 hours before being put in a room to have it done in the morning. Finally got the MRI done and the doctor comes and says that she hasn't looked at it yet but she will but there is nothing she can do until tomorrow or the next day. So for the next day or two I have to sit here and wait for her to get back in to work before anything can be done. I'm actually beyond frustrated right now.
 
I should add: My abscess comes and goes so its really bad (like can't sit down bad) after going the washroom but after a few hours it almost gone. So when they checked it out they didn't see much. I told them it comes and goes but I'm not sure they believe me.
 
I was back at the ER last night with severe right sided lower quadrant pain and rectal pain, as well as fatigue and light headedness. My CT Scan was negative for abscess or appendicitis, so they sent me home.
 
Stinkypete,

I can sympathize. However, my docs have been pretty good. They offered pain meds, but I declined because I simply hate them. Absent something like surgery, I will not take them. I decided to come into work today, in spite of everything. Not quite sure why.
 
Yeah I haven't taken any pain meds yet either. I wish I could go to work but if I leave then I have to start from step 1 all over again -.-
 
Then stay. No need to start over. We're thinking about you. I'm sure they are going to get your diagnosis and help you out.
 
I'm sorry your going through all of this its so rough I know but be persistent don't let them blow you off. Keep calling them or sending messages and make the appts. It will get figured out. Why don't you want some pain meds I know it sucks taking them but it does help with ur mental state. These things are worse than child birth I swear! Thinking of you praying for ya!!! Don't give up stay strong and positive eaiser said then Done I know believe me! I had to start writing
 
Just got a call from my long term disability insurance company. Its funny how they dont have a problem taking your money, but when it comes time to pay up, they do their darnedest to come up with some lame BS. Why I never wanted to go into the insurance business, I couldn't live with myself.
 
Well I may have spoken to soon about feeling better:/ pain where the doc didn't place the seton is coming back. He only placed one. I'm scared! Damn this disease I hate it I'm gonna break:(
 
Hi Tkirby,

Call your doc and let him know. If it is kind of superficial, it may be the stitch of the seton. However, you should let your doc tell you that. Good luck.
 
hi all... quick question.. I have had an abscess/fistula surgery back in September, I got a fissure in Jan.. I don't have Crohn's. I still feel sore, and itch down there a lot.. is that normal? willll it ever enddd???
 
I haven't dealt with fissures that I know of. Did they rule out CD in your case? How so, via scope? Are you being treated with medication?
 
It's new. I had fistula surgery in September.. And I got the fissure in January. Before the fistula surgery I had a colonoscopy, so I think my surgeon would have told me if I had Crohn's.
 
Yah if you had a colonoscopy you would def know already if you had crohns. I was beg for crohns too. But with my fissure, the CRS prescribed a couple different topical creams throughout a course of like 5 months none of them worked and I was still having pain,itchiness, ect like you are describing. It ended up the that fissure turned into an abscess and fistula which was why it was still bothering me for so long. But I do know fissures can take months to heal as well. Have you seen your doctor about it yet?
 
don't say the word abscess again! :( I have topical cream. I saw him back in February, he saw the fissure and said that was all that was there. - 16 weeks? its still so itchy....Ironically enough my sister had an abscess and fistula the same time I did, and hers is still itchy.
It also will just hurt sometimes, not the kind of pain from an abscess, but just like muscle soreness. You know when your muscles hurt? that's what it feels like a lot, like its just sore..
 
well hopefully its just because its taking its time to heal. Mine started out as a fissure (from one time of constipation) and then professed downward from there. :( there are different kinds of topical creams, maybe you just need a stronger one. IDK worth calling just to check in and make sure things are as they should be :)
 
Hi I am new. I haven't been diagnosed with Crohns but something not right. I have had surgery twice in last 5 weeks on a perinatal abscess and will get results on Friday following an MRI scan for a fistula and to check out whether anything else going on as I have many symptoms of Crohns but not as bad as some of posts on here. I have a couple of questions which hopefully someone might be able to help with?


Is it safe to go swimming with an anal fistula? And any advice on bathing? I was told to just shower but this was just after surgery and not sure now.

And sorry now for the embarrassing question ..... a lump has started to protrude from my vagina opening its not sore just alarming. It's as through whatever is happening in the periannal/anal area is forcing by bits to pop out. I will b speaking to colorectal surgeon on Fri but was wondering if anyone else had encountered anything similar. Apologies if tmi.
 
red199999 said:
Hi I am new. I haven't been diagnosed with Crohns but something not right. I have had surgery twice in last 5 weeks on a perinatal abscess and will get results on Friday following an MRI scan for a fistula and to check out whether anything else going on as I have many symptoms of Crohns but not as bad as some of posts on here. I have a couple of questions which hopefully someone might be able to help with?


Is it safe to go swimming with an anal fistula? And any advice on bathing? I was told to just shower but this was just after surgery and not sure now.

And sorry now for the embarrassing question ..... a lump has started to protrude from my vagina opening its not sore just alarming. It's as through whatever is happening in the periannal/anal area is forcing by bits to pop out. I will b speaking to colorectal surgeon on Fri but was wondering if anyone else had encountered anything similar. Apologies if tmi.
Click to expand...


Never TMI here. We are here to support each other.

swiming is kinda an if-e. Chance you could get an infection from the water. As far as bathing, I just had surgery also. I was told to shower only. The sits bath is not enough for me so I have been setting in a hot tub of water with no problems.

I would have any "LUMP" looked at. Lumps aren't normal. Crohn's changes a person's body so much that everyone is different.

Once again, there is never too much information for this forum. Crohn's Disease is un-dignifing to say the least. After the second doctor played with my butt, I lost all dignity. Everyone that knows me, knows when that look is in my eye and im walking fast, better get out of the way or be ready to clean up. If that bothers you, then you dont have crohn's disease or its not bad enough.
 
red199999. As far as bathing goes with a perianal fistula I have been advised to take Sitz baths. They have certainly proved to be helpful!
 
red199999 said:
Hi I am new. I haven't been diagnosed with Crohns but something not right. I have had surgery twice in last 5 weeks on a perinatal abscess and will get results on Friday following an MRI scan for a fistula and to check out whether anything else going on as I have many symptoms of Crohns but not as bad as some of posts on here. I have a couple of questions which hopefully someone might be able to help with?


Is it safe to go swimming with an anal fistula? And any advice on bathing? I was told to just shower but this was just after surgery and not sure now.

And sorry now for the embarrassing question ..... a lump has started to protrude from my vagina opening its not sore just alarming. It's as through whatever is happening in the periannal/anal area is forcing by bits to pop out. I will b speaking to colorectal surgeon on Fri but was wondering if anyone else had encountered anything similar. Apologies if tmi.
Click to expand...

Hi I had a similar experience and I do have Crohn's disease. Have you had a colonoscopy if not you totally should I didn't know you could get these fistulas without having Crohn's? What your describing sounds very similar to what I had happen. First they thought I had a bartholin cyst but after almost four years of that misdiagnosis it was found to be fistulas we found this out after an MRI. I got a seton placed and have been feeling much better ever since I can't believe I went so long with the pain and embarrassment. Does it hurt? Cause they can be very painful.
 
The periannal and anal area hurts like mad but the vagina doesn't. Will see what they say tomorrow at least it's not too long to wait. Thanks for the comments back.
 

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Amateur observations: Non-surgical ways to prevent/cure fistulas.
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tim73
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First Seton
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MrWheat
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