Has anyone had success with vaginal abscess/ fistulas?

[Keepyourchinup]

Hi!

In December 2013 I was operated on for a Bartholin abscess. One week later I had feces coming from a hole inbetween my bits and pieces. In January we discovered I had multiple complex fistulas in the rectum and vaginal area. 4 months of antibiotics and fevers, I had 2 setons placed. One in the vaginal area and one in the bum. 1 week later I was still in pain and had emergency surgery and 2 more setons were added. 8 months later after being on antibiotics, humira and imuran, we have decided to get a temporary colostomy to all my bits to rest. After booking surgery, my small bowel MRI results returned and I have numerous strictures and scarring, therefore we are going to do a small bowel resection along with colostomy. I have researched many vaginal abscesses with very little success. Contingency plan is to do a flap replacement in a few months if the colostomy does not work. I am unable to sit, drive or stand for any length of time. I'm a pretty strong person who has 2 children under 10 and am forced to put on a good front on a daily basis. However, I'm done. I know things could be worse but, chronic pain sucks! Any input or feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thx!

 

[mish2575]

I didn't know I had one. Remicade fixed it before I knew it was there. The GI could feel the scar tissue.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Tagging sailorluna because she has experience in this area I believe.

Edit: see you are using the same avatar as me haha.

 

[Soots]

Hi I had anal vaginal fistula had various treatments -glue to close (didn't work) and surgery to close which ruptured when my bowel movements began. Due to this I was given a temp ill dieting surgery was then carried out and after several months stoma was reversed this was successful and those fistula did not reappear. Have permanent stoma On my way! due to crohns worsening. I noticed when I was on Humira bladder fistula was not as bad.

 

[Soots]

Spellchecker!!! Temporary ilieostomy to allow surgery to be carried out to repair fistula and allow it to heal.

 

[Sailorluna]

My vag fistula is 11 years old. It happened following the birth of my first child. I briefly had a seton there but it was only in for a couple months. It sometimes drains various gross things but never has abscessed. Unfortunately positive outcomes for surgeries on vaginal fistulas seem to be hard to find. I am sorry that you are going through this. Good luck with the colostomy, I am likely to be right there with you in a couple months because of other fistula issues. Let us know how it works for you.

 

[Searching]

Hi Keepyourchinup,
I am so sorry for what you are going through. You're right chronic pain does suck. As a mum watching my child go through it I feel so helpless. I take my hat off to you for what you are going through & that you still manage to be a mum & do all that goes along with that whilst you are suffering.
My daughter who is only 7 recently had some vaginal bleeding. She is currently undiagnosed for what I believe is likely Crohn's. Although she was still bleeding when I got her to the hospital by the time they examined her it had stopped. They believe it would have been from the bowel but I am certain it was coming from her vagina. I wiped her bottom at that time & there was no blood only on wiping the vagina. If she has a possible vaginal abscess/fistula do you think there would have been some other discharge & would it continue to bleed? She only bled the once & has had no other discharge. I am also wondering if they would pick it up in an endoscope or colonoscopy?