I am a 32 yr old female and I have had my fistula since 2009 but was only diagnosed with it in August 2014! When it first appeared as a lump in 2009 I was diagnosed with a bartholin cyst and had it drained in 2009. I then had continual problems with it but because I lived abroad I just got on with it. On returning to the uk in 2012 I was in and out of a and e with repeated swelling, pain and what we thought was a bartholin abscess. The drs were very dismissive and often sent me away although I could barely walk. I finally saw a gynae consultant who booked me in for surgery in June 2014 where they removed the whole bartholin gland. 3 days after surgery the wound opened and I was told in had an infection and was given different courses of antibiotics to heal it.
Well it never did heal because it was a fistula and finally people listened to what I was telling them I was seeing in August!
Since then I have been referred to a colorectal surgeon and have had 3 setons placed and the last one removed this week which has left me with an even bigger hole where I have been cut! The setons never agreed with me, first one was too tight and was admitted to a and e as couldn't walk, second one had a large knot which imbedded into my skin and third one felt like first and has been removed.
My consultant has always said that I would need surgery to repair my fistula and has recommended a fistolectomy and advancement flap. This week he has now spoken about letting it heal on its own which concerns me seeing as though it has existed for so long and clearly isn't going anywhere! I'm keen to start a family which is impossible at the mo! The type that I have crossed one of my sphincter muscles and then goes up and over the second. It's classed as complex and any research on the Internet says surgery is the only option.
I'm going through final tests for Crohn's as have been diagnosed with ibs since I was 20. If I don't have Crohn's I will be shocked but we will see.
I'm back to see my consultant on 17th and am going to ask to be referred to st marks in london who are fistula specialists and am going to book a private consultation with a surgeon for a second opinion at the end of the month.
I was diagnosed with ibs when I was 20 but have constantly struggled with diarrhoea especially at night, fatigue, mouth ulcers, weight loss etc.
I have read about perineal Crohn's can you have just that or do you need other symptons internally also?
Any help or advise would be appreciated as very down at the mo x
Well it never did heal because it was a fistula and finally people listened to what I was telling them I was seeing in August!
Since then I have been referred to a colorectal surgeon and have had 3 setons placed and the last one removed this week which has left me with an even bigger hole where I have been cut! The setons never agreed with me, first one was too tight and was admitted to a and e as couldn't walk, second one had a large knot which imbedded into my skin and third one felt like first and has been removed.
My consultant has always said that I would need surgery to repair my fistula and has recommended a fistolectomy and advancement flap. This week he has now spoken about letting it heal on its own which concerns me seeing as though it has existed for so long and clearly isn't going anywhere! I'm keen to start a family which is impossible at the mo! The type that I have crossed one of my sphincter muscles and then goes up and over the second. It's classed as complex and any research on the Internet says surgery is the only option.
I'm going through final tests for Crohn's as have been diagnosed with ibs since I was 20. If I don't have Crohn's I will be shocked but we will see.
I'm back to see my consultant on 17th and am going to ask to be referred to st marks in london who are fistula specialists and am going to book a private consultation with a surgeon for a second opinion at the end of the month.
I was diagnosed with ibs when I was 20 but have constantly struggled with diarrhoea especially at night, fatigue, mouth ulcers, weight loss etc.
I have read about perineal Crohn's can you have just that or do you need other symptons internally also?
Any help or advise would be appreciated as very down at the mo x
