my update, fistula and seton, finally had surgery!

Hey everyone,

I've been laying low lately, but there were a few people going through the same kinds of things I have been, so I just wanted to update.

I was on cipro and flagyl for the last few months, while the docs tried to decide what was wrong with me and if I actually did have a fistula and/or abscess. I had an abscess drained this summer (that had lived inside me for 4 years)  but another location near my tailbone and along my anus was giving me trouble. They thought this was scar tissue for a while...

anyway, I saw my doc last week and had purposefully weaned off the flagyl for a few days, so my "bump" would flare and he would believe me! I think the fact that the flagyl had "helped" me loose 10 lbs, and that I'm small to begin with, he finally took me seriously.

Long story short, I was actually able to show him the pus coming out when my "bump" was pressed on, and I had surgery on Thursday. I now have a seton and another little incision just to the outside of my anus. I've read all about setons on this site from all of you, so thank you for your insight!

I'm feeling pretty good, now, except for a massive sore throat/tongue and even pain in my back- the nurse said that is from how I had to be positioned on the table. My bum is a bit sore, but NOTHING like the pain and pressure I have been living with. I'm hoping this will heal as it should, so I'm only thinking positive thoughts!!

Any advice is appreciated- my nurse said not to sit in a sitz bath- but I thought that was kind of standard practice. I guess I am worried about keeping the area clean...

Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom!!

 

Hello! I am glad your Doc finally say it and you had it dealt with! I know it has been very frustrating for you! If the seton is tight now, it may be a cutting seton. But you need to ask your doctor. All of my docs have stressed the need for 3-4 15 minute sitz baths -- sitting in the tub -- in warm/hot water each day. It gets blood circulating and promotes healing. Call your doctor and check.

As for cleaning, I use a hand held shower sprayer and I love it! Just gently spray it all away. It works wonderfully! I sit on the side of the tub with one foot in and the other outside. We have had several discussion about care if setons, and I suggest you search for those posts -- fistula or seton should bring them up. I am so happy that you are finally free of that darn abscess!

Take care!

I'm scheduled to have my draining seton removed and a fistula plug inserted instead. One thing though -they won't do the surgery if there's any inflammation, so it has to have pretty much healed. I don't think this includes the actual draining pus though.

I can't WAIT to have the plug! The seton has been really bad for me - alway rubbing and creating new wounds. I just got out of hospital as one of these wounds became infected and caused an abscess =( which had to be surgically drained...