Seton success story:)

[EmilyElizabeth]

Hi, just thought I'd shed some optimism in the Fistula forum, because it is generally not a happy time (I understand!!)

I got surgery which I was very frightened about 4 months ago to get a regular (non-cutting) seton for a fistula which I had had for about 8 months. This fistula was the bane of my existence, I was in constant pain from it, having to check it a few times a day to make sure it was draining, some days it would just stop draining and swell and I'd feel really sick and in pain. It also affected my work badly as I could hardly sit at my desk and had to sitz bath multiple times to feel ok.

Anyway, I know people have had good and bad experience with this, but the seton was the best thing ever for me. I love my seton! It makes me feel normal as I don't have to be making sure it drains everyday, it never swells anymore, it only hurts if I sit on it too long or irritate it somehow but I can sit again without pain. I still sitz bath once a day. I'm not even concerned with how long I'll have to have it, in fact I don't want to part with it ever as long as it works!!

Anyway theres my minor success story, I hope it helps someone else.

 

[AlliRuns]

I guess it's a love-hate thing. I personally disliked my setons, they made it very uncomfortable to ride my bike, and dug into my skin when I walked or ran.

 

[EmilyElizabeth]

Sorry you didn't have as good an experience:[ was it at least an improvement from before you had the surgery?

 

[AlliRuns]

My setons were removed after 6 months; Not because I asked, but because I wasn't diagnosed at the time so it was expected that they fistulas would heal. They didn't and formed new channels. I've had fistulas for so long now that I'm kind of use to the pain though (one for almost 8 years).