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Is this normal with an abscess?

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Posted 3/28/2011 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hey guys. My abscess had been all over the place these last few days. I've noticed when I try to pass gas sometimes though it feels like gas is getting inside of the abscess and it stings for a little. Is that normal ?
Posted 3/28/2011 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds like a fistula developing to me, but I could be wrong.
Posted 3/28/2011 9:40 AM (GMT 0)
When I had an abscess that would happen too. It would also hurt when I had to go to the bathroom. But it did turn into a fistula so I agree with Ivy that it might be turning into a fistula.
Posted 3/28/2011 12:37 PM (GMT 0)
All of mine that passed gas, eventually passed stool. I didn't know enough to get this checked out sooner. I agree --get these looked at. and good luck!
Posted 3/28/2011 12:43 PM (GMT 0)
In the beginning when I first got my drained (sept 2010) the gas seemed to get stuck in my abscess which located right next to rectum, I would be able to push on it and it deflate the gas, sometimes it would hurt with the pressure. But I got it drained again back in Feb by my col/rectal doctor I don't that issue or pain at all. I never developed a fistula and they have checked multiple times.

That's just been my experience I hope you get some answers and relief soon!
Posted 3/28/2011 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
Endeavor that sounds exactly like mine right now. It feels like gas gets stuck inside of it but when I push on it, it deflates! I was thinking it might be turning into a fistula but I wasn't 100 percent sure. Before my abscess was bad my old doctor just said it was a skin tag. It didn't seem like much back then because it wasn't hard or anything. It's been getting worse and worse. They're so busy at the Cleveland Clinic though. I haven't been able to get an appointment until April 7th. I scheduled back in February as well. Thanks for your input guys!
Posted 3/28/2011 3:46 PM (GMT 0)
Oh and I forgot to mention. My main GI gave me a lovely rectal exam. (sarcasm) After he saw the abscess he said he didn't feel anything that could make it a fistula. Hopefully he is right.
Posted 3/28/2011 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
You haven't had it drained yet? If so, no wonder you are in so much pain!

Oh yes, I remember they tried to give me a rectal exam before draining it, it was horrible, they didn't get anywhere that's for use. I was told fistula's can be sneaky and can be easily missed, and they can develop over time.

I hope you don't develop one and everything goes smoothly for oyu!
Posted 3/28/2011 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
My feeling is that you need to tell your doctor about this, and quickly.

Mine did that too, and the surgeon told me that the gas was because the fistula had tunnelled through my sphincter, effectively bypassing the usual control the the sphincter provides for gas etc. I think it would be a good idea if you got this checked out asap to ensure it's not tunnelling anywhere else, and to prevent any extra damage being done. You may need a seton or similar.

Perhaps they could do a scan while you are waiting for your appointment? Your regular doctor may be able to arrange this, even if the Cleveland can't or won't yet.

Ivy.
Posted 3/29/2011 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
Ivy, I have a colonoscopy on Friday. Would they be able to see if had tunneled that way? Also I have an appointment next Thursday to get it drained.
Posted 3/29/2011 5:54 AM (GMT 0)
Not necessarily, BosnianBoy; I don't think so. I think a scope might be able to see the entrance of a fistula, but not necessarily where it goes (or if it goes anywhere). I could be wrong, though.

I think that sort of thing needs to be examined with an MRI, or surgically with dye etc. At least, that's what my docs usually recommend when they want to have a fistula checked out.

Def mention it to them when you're having your scope, though (and good luck with it, btw!). They might be able to investigate it while you're asleep.
Posted 3/29/2011 1:07 PM (GMT 0)
I just had two seton stitches for two fistulas, this was only about 3 hours ago, lol. Home now, a little discomfort, but nothing I can't tolerate.
Posted 3/30/2011 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
UPDATE. My abscess is starting to be unbearable. I can barely sit up from the toilet and I can't walk without extreme pain. Usually at this point it would start leaking on it's own and I would get some relief. It's not happening for me right now. I went to the ER once and they did nothing and told me to make an appointment which I have next Thursday. I have my colonoscopy this Friday, I really hope they can do something for me then. I can't take this pain anymore : (
Posted 3/30/2011 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
I would try the ER again if the pain is unbearable, there's no reason to suffer for another week.

I wish you luck..
Posted 3/30/2011 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I'd be inclined to call someone too - or go down to the hospital - and today.

Apart from anything else, bowel prep is going to be miserable for you if you're in that much pain already :-(.
Posted 3/31/2011 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
You should go to a good hospital as well. I went to a pretty bad hospital and they just drained the abscess with barely any anesthesia and it was one of the most painful experiences I've had. I'm really feeling for you right now because I know that pain.:( But if I were you I definitely wouldn't wait that long because they grow and each day they hurt more and more.
Posted 3/31/2011 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, I agree with the others. Sounds like it's definitely a fistula. I have a few fistulas, and that is the first symptom I felt. I would definitely contact a doctor.
You may need different medication that specifically help fistulas (Remicade/ Humira)
Plus, you may need minor surgery. I had a seton drain to stop my fistula from closing and creating abscesses.

Hope this helps.
Best wishes & hope all is well soon
Kim
Posted 3/31/2011 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
I appreciate your guys advice but believe me when I tell you that I've tried it all. I went to the ER and they didn't do ANYTHING. I didn't even see real doctors, I saw residents. Then they told me to make an appointment ASAP, but when I try they say they can't get me anything until April 7th. There's literally nothing I can do. I'd expect the Cleveland clinic to freaking do something, but I've learned every hospital is the same. I have a colonoscopy on Friday; I'm going to beg them to do something about my abscess while I'm under. I have to do my prep tomorrow and I'm not looking forward to it because I can't walk at all. Honestly, this is all getting to me. I have an exam tomorrow that can't be rescheduled. I've been flaring up for two years now consistently. Remicade doesn't work for me anymore and nor do other medicines. I do my best to stay positive, I really do. I try and smile every single day, but it's just getting overwhelming. It seems like there's no end to the suffering. It's hard to keep my grades up which miraculously I've been doing. I needed to vent, sorry guys.
Posted 3/31/2011 8:47 AM (GMT 0)
Several weeks ago I went to the ER in extreme pain and after X-ray and ct scan they determined that I had an abscess. At that point they admitted me to the hospital where they had me on cipro and flagyl for five days. In that time they scoped me at the hospital. It turned out that I had a couple fistulas in the same area as well. The antibiotics helped in healing the. Abscess but it was determined that surgery was necessary. They also released me with a two week window before anything would take place. The point is that they did at least treat the abscess with meds at least. I'm shocked that the ER' s recommendation is to send you on your way and have to "wing it" unti the scope. It sounds like you need to find a doc that listens or a hospital that will admit you. Best wishes on your scope.
Posted 3/31/2011 10:47 AM (GMT 0)
Oh man I'm going to the ER I literally can't stand up. I got like 30 mins of sleep. however I can't stay that long. I have too many exams and my mom is coming up to visit. I feel bad that she has to spend the day at the hospital. I just cannot do this anymore.
Posted 3/31/2011 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
update! So for some reason, every single time I'm on the way to the ER at the Clinic, my darn abscess drains out. I'm not complaining because that was the most relieving sensation I've ever had!! I went from not being able to walk to standing straight up. Seriously that was one of the worst pains I have ever felt in my life. Def up there. However, I went to the ER anyway. They essentially did nothing because they said it's draining on it's own. I told them that it has a tendency to come back. They prescribed me some antibiotics until my colorectal appointment next Thursday. I'm still doing the colonoscopy tomorrow. Thanks for the support guys!
Posted 3/31/2011 8:05 PM (GMT 0)
I do feel for you. Abscess pain is so, so, hard to cope with.

I'm wondering if perhaps you could phone the doctor (or the office of the doctor) who will be performing the scope on Friday, and letting them know what has happened. If you're incredibly lucky, the doctor might just have a surgeon mate who'd be willing to come and take a look at your bottom while you're asleep.

Good luck with the exam tomorrow. Gosh, you're having a hard week :-(.
Posted 4/1/2011 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Ivy, Yeah, it's been a quite a rough week. Nothing unusual for me in the last two years to be honest. I just try and stay positive through it all because I know there are things worse out there. It does get tough sometimes though. I'm starting my prep at 4 A.M for my 1 P.M colonoscopy appointment.
Posted 4/1/2011 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
Well I can totally understand where all your frusterations are coming from. I have you tried talking your school or health services about all this, maybe they could work you and your professors so you don;t have to stress so much about taking exams at certain times?

I wish you luck with your scope today and hope they may be able to take a look at the abscess as well. You need relief!

Let us know how you're doing : )
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