How do you know you have a fistula?

[spelunky]

I'm sure it would be obvious if it was draining fecal matter... but are you aware of ones that may occur in more hidden places, and start out very small?

Thank you, would like to hear your experiences.

 

[Sailorluna]

what are you experiencing? Mine (the peri-rectal one) started as a hard spot that grew and got more and more painful until it broke

 

[spelunky]

Well that's the big question, I'm not really sure I am dealing with it...but was suspecting it. I don't have any hard spots, but do have some skin splits, occasional pain, bubbling, etc.

Maybe it's something else altogether...I have no idea.

 

[DJW]

What do you mean by bubbling?

 

[VetGirl]

I think I know what you mean by bubbling. Mine started small, and I assumed it was a hemorrhoid (this is before I knew I had digestive issues). There was a small amount of drainage, but not fecal matter. It seemed to go away and reappear every now and then. It was only after I started to research Crohn's that I realized it might be a fistula. An MRI confirmed it.

 

[lgpcarter]

I have a small one that drains a little fluid now and then. It is 3/4 of the way up my butt crack right in the middle.

 

[spelunky]

Vetgirl, I think we might be talking about the same thing and that really scares me... I guess it's time to bring it up to the GI. The whole reason I saw him in the first place is so these issues wouldn't progress.

Thank you all so much for your input.

 

[Sailorluna]

Good luck with your appointment