Worried about Fistula or Abscess

[Racoon2000]

Hi
Never posted on this site before but worrying so much at the moment, looking for a bit of advice.
I have Crohn's. Currently on Infliximab infusions every 8 weeks and also on Mercaptopurine.
About a month ago, i noticed a lump about an inch or two away from my anus, on my left buttock cheek. It was tender to touch and oozed a yellowish fluid when I grasped it between my thumb and forefinger.
Worried by what it was I had a look (of the upside down variety in front of the mirror!). I noticed there was a line from the lump heading down towards my anus, under the skin - kind of like a vein (to the touch). It's not sore all the time, but noticed before and after a BM I was increasingly aware of it - and horrible pain at that point too.
I was in for my infusion at the beginning of October and mentioned my embarrassing issue to my IBD nurse who looked at it. I thought it may perhaps be a cyst of some sort. He seemed concerned and referred me for a pelvic MRI (along with the small bowel MRI they have ordered as I don't seem to be responding very well to the Infliximab).
Anyway, my appointment for the MRI isn't until November and I am getting really anxious about what it could be. I also noticed that the 'vein like' line has kind of gone down, but more vein like lines are appearing around the lump and they look quite red under the skin.
The lump itself still oozes fluid, sometimes yellow, sometimes clear and slightly sticky. Still not always conscious of it, but sometimes it's uncomfortable to sit down and sometimes it feels like a sort of pulse around that area.
I know I will just have to wait until the results of the MRI are back, but that seems like such a long way away I would really appreciate any advice as to what it could possibly be, if anything.
Crohn's wise I've not been doing too well overall. I don't have diarrheoa anymore (since starting Infliximab, hooray!) but seem to still have all the other symptoms I had before and some are worse.
Anyway, don't want to waffle on.
Hope someone can give me some advice to calm my nerves until the MRI in November.
Thanks.

 

[Jison0612]

This seems to be pretty normal with Crohn's it's more than likely a absess that's about to turn into a fistula these are troublesome lil things but part of the disease for most. Just hang in there Ive had the same thing on and off for 13yrs!!! U get use to it eventually

 

[Lisa]

It sounds like it is an abscess of some type - the red line could be from the infection. I don't know about 'getting used to' having these types of problems - I do know over the years I have learned to deal with different issues and also when to get a hold of hte doctor vs. letting things carry on by themselves.

Abscesses do NOT always turn into fistulas, a good sign is if you don't see any fecal matter coming out. The pus etc is sign of infection, hopefully you can get the area cleaned out and let it start to heal.

Has your doctor put you on any type of antibiotic?

 

[PsychoJane]

Are the "vein" like structure feeling like a cord under your skin?
That ropy feeling is somewhat characteristic of fistula... Mine never let much fecal matter pass, just fluid of various color and mucus.

From my personal experience, there would be a problematic area around which the fistula would form. One would open and the other one would eventually close. I could easily tell it was a fistula by the appearance of the "skin" which was not skin but more like mucosa like the inside of the mouth let say.

As PB mentioned, what about antibiotic? If you can't get a hold of your GI before your test, I think It could be beneficial to talk to a GP and maybe getting some cipro-flagyl. If it is an abscess or fistula, it's generally helpful to do a course of these.

 

[Racoon2000]

Thank you for your replies and advice.
PsychoJane - yes they do feel a bit like loose cord to touch, now that you mention it. Although sometimes they feel more prominent than at other times?
Thank you for the suggestion of antibiotics, I never considered a visit to my GP (I live in the UK). He isn't as clued up on Crohn's as my IBD team at the hospital, so I generally speak to my IBD nurse with any queries. On this occasion I just feel really embarrassed and took up so much of his time at my last infusion. When I left the hospital he said 'we'll just have to wait for the MRI now' so I took that to mean 'don't bother me until after that'!
Think my head just needs to find an 'off' switch.
Thanks again for your kind words and advice - hopefully I am just worrying unnecessarily.