Seton Problems

[CiaraG]

Hi All

I had a seton stitch replaced last Tuesday, and ever since I am numb in regards to passing water, and also my bowels havent moved in a week. I have tried everything, drinking loads of water, eating fruit, laxatives etc. And still nothing is happening. Has anyone else experienced problems like this, Im more concerned about the numbness to be honest. I would love to hear any of your experiences.

Thanks
Ciara

 

[Mark63]

Hi Ciara,

The constipation, yes. Lack of food for a couple of days plus pain killers that are opiate based E.G. Codine, Tramadol etc do the the trick every time. Usually not a problem after 4 or 5 days for me when I'm back on a sensible diet. The numbness, no. Pain and not just at the site of the surgery I've been left with referred pain in the left thigh and also to the right side of the Anus, despite the fistula being on the left.

Mark

 

[CiaraG]

Seton

Hi Mark

Thanks for your reply, thank god all bodily functions are back to normal but it took about ten days. I was with the surgeon on Monday and he thinks maybe my body went into shock and my body didnt want to work properly, but he did blame the tramadol for my bowels not moving. If you dont mind me asking how long have you had the seton stitch ?? Ive had mine for about 8 months now and the surgeon reckons the worse case scenario would be two years. It just seems never ending, I get my stitch replaced every 12 weeks and it totally knocks me for about 10 days. How have you been with it ??

Ciara

 

[Mark63]

Hi Ciara,

Glad things are getting back to normal.

I've lost track, probably had a seton in for coming-up to 4 years now. It's been changed a number of times, but only as additional procedures have been carried out, not on a regular schedule like 12 weeks. The current one has been in for 8 weeks and is the smallest yet. I felt that I was doing ok until yesterday, but the level of pain has gone through the roof again, so I expect there is another infection brewing. A pity really as I saw the Surgeon last Friday and he was very happy with his handiwork. He said that the seton could stay in place indefinitely if required. However it would need to be renewed periodically.

I have to say that the recovery time after each surgical procedure seems to be getting longer. Perhaps that shouldn't be a surprise, the last one was the 4th in 12 months.

I'm now seeing some of the best Surgeons, best Medics and getting the good drugs, all be it a bit late. It's a pity that it just does not seem to be helping. They have been very honest and said that they may not be able to fix this fistula. Apparently perianal Crohn's is one of the more difficult types to treat.

Let's hope that we are both doing better soon.

Mark