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About to have fourth perianal abscess drainage

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Posted 9/11/2013 12:17 PM (GMT 0)
Me too I've had 4 perianal abscesses over the course of 15 months! not bad aye. Right 2 weeks ago I had a seton stitch placed into the fistula they found, and after just 1 week it fell of on its own, just like it was supposed to. apparently it wasn't as deep as they thought it would be, and therefore they placed a seton stitch which was described as superficial.

The wound should be packed simply because if it doesnt, a cavity might form from the inside and this could get infected and another abscess might form exactly in the same area. This could be what is happening to you, but I hardly believe your surgeon doesn't know about that!

I saw some people suggesting a seton stitch but this doesn't make sense if you don't have a fistula.
Did you try out an MRI? my fistula was spotted by an MRI. Also the colonoscopy is helpful to determine whether you have chrohns or not. Do it as soon as possible. I've had them both.

At the end of the day good luck, hope you feel better soon, and remember, IT DOES GET BETTER
Posted 9/11/2013 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi NY-Sooner

Good to hear the SCD diet worked for you.

I tried it, even bought the SCD yoghurt maker but I can't take milk, yoghurt of any kind apart from coconut milk and there was too much honey in it for me, sugar intolerance, it just made me more ill.

The important point though is the right diet for you has so much to do with it keeping your immune system health so you can fight off infection when it hits.
Posted 9/12/2013 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hello All,

I currently have my second one and it is very painful. I don;t know when to go to the doctor - ie. don;t know if I should wait until the abscess 'matures' or if I could go straight away. I called the surgeon who did lanced it the first time and his office folks told me that he was away on vacation and would return after a week. I feel like crying. I feel like it ages me faster than anything else. I've been a healthy male and now after a colonoscopy the doctor thinks it is Ilietis, possibly Crohns.

The issue is compounded by my anxiety/ mild depression and it is very hard to stay upbeat. I'm worried how it may affect my work as I'm the only earning member of the family. Sorry if I sound too depressing, but looking for some positive feedback/ thoughts.
Posted 9/12/2013 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kiwis, veggies too have fibers. They cause me severe intestinal pain. I decided to stop eating them all together.
Posted 9/13/2013 9:27 AM (GMT 0)
well here I am~ I had a anal fissure June 2013 and then Aug 2013 I was back to the operating room with a perianal abscess.... I still am experiencing drainage.... a yucky greenish drainage... my surgeon I see next Wed. He tells me maybe a Fistula. Could this drainage me left over from the abscess?? I read all this stuff and I'm so confused..... What exactly is a fistula?!? :( I have read all about this ugly stuff since March.......
Posted 9/13/2013 9:57 AM (GMT 0)
How do you get all your vital nutrients and vitamins then Minnietoty?
Posted 9/13/2013 10:02 AM (GMT 0)
Wanttobehappy I would go to the doctor asap because antibiotics may help and therefore surgery wont be needed. It wont just heal on its own from my experience. You could go to another doctor that a friend trusts or go straight to your Accident and Emergency department in hospital. I too also have anxiety/depression and I totally understand where you are coming from as a single mother who has to bring in the money also. Anyone without anxiety and depression would be worried also I am sure.
Things will be fine. You will be ok. You will get through this. Hope you get better asap.
Posted 9/13/2013 1:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi again, I get all the nutrients through supplements. I have to take Ensure, centrum, a calcium and magnesium supplement, another multivitamin and a memory booster. For more than 3 months, I haven't taken anything other than Ensure. How can you tolerate high fibers?
Posted 9/13/2013 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
Over the years I've had over 20 (stopped counting at 20) operations and procedures "south of the border", to treat perianal/rectal etc. abscesses. maybe a quarter have been for "emergency" treatment of and issue, and the rest to "tidy up" emergency work. After all of this I have a persistent "intra-sphinctular" fistula for which I take anti-iotics all of the time. At one point the surgeon did sew in a permanent Seton to drain it, but at some point this has disappeared.

Like many here this along with passing bloosd andd mucoud and persistent abdominal pain went on for several years, dusing which time they docs were strangely reluctant to label or treat Crohns. It was only when I was hospitalised (again) because of my intemessus rectal prolapse (a consequence of all the scarring) that a new GI specialist finally diagnosed Crohn's and when he looked at my history he was baffled why no-one had before..... by the way my wife and I were certain it was all along, and I'm sure part of the failure to diagnose was a push-back from doctors who reent patients that self diagnose.

Anyhow I'm now on 2g Pentasa twice a day and it has changed my life.
Posted 9/13/2013 11:18 PM (GMT 0)
Minnietoty I am blessed to not have crohns so that is why I can have fruits and veges. Good on you for making sure you get all the nutrients you need through supplements seen as you can't tolerate them in food form.
Posted 9/16/2013 5:15 AM (GMT 0)
Kiwi68 I have kept a record of my diet for the week would you like me to email you it?
Posted 9/19/2013 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Kiwiwoman68

Sorry I haven't replied sooner.

I hope you are managing to get some sleep and things are improving. Thanks so much for taking the time to keep your food diary. Yes it would be great to see it. I’ve put my healingwell forum email address on my profile, I think you can click on my name at the side of my post to see it. How are you getting on with cutting out sugar? Tomorrow will be my 28th day without it, apart from some grapefruit juice, tomatoes, coconut milk and the sugars you get in rice and vegetables. Any changes so far for me - I feel I am bit more alert and I have noticed two other changes but I'll try to keep going for at least another 4 weeks to see how those develop.

Minnietoty

Like you I have a real problem with fiber.
I don’t have Crohns, I have chronic IBS, which has stopped me from being able to go out to work etc
So you would think fiber was exactly what the doctor ordered (and it was what they ordered) but for some reason it makes my IBS ten times worse.
If I eat cereals, pastry etc my colon starts to stick so far out of me I think it is going to start talking to me or the pain can hit so hard and so fast it has me rolling about on the floor before I know what has hit me.
When my IBS first started 10 years I had no idea what was going on. Gradually anything I ate seemed to make me ill and I ended up not wanting to eat at all. I think that is what eventually caused the abscess. I wasn’t getting enough nutrients so my immune system took a nosedive and next thing I know I’m in having emergency surgery to cut it out.
I was also having panic attacks but it took me a while to work out that was what was happening to me.
The things you list that are happening to you are way beyond my experience and only you and your doctor know what is best for you. I am not a nurse or a doctor, I'm just a computer programmer from Glasgow in Scotland and I can only tell you about my experience. I know how unwell I was and if I had no veg in my diet I would certainly still have a seton in my derriere keeping my fistula from becoming an abscess again!
It took me a long time and a lot of trial and error before my system started to even remotely cope again with what I was putting in it. I read that people with peanut allergy eat a tiny amount each day and gradually they start to build up a resistance and can start to cope with peanuts. I couldn’t eat tomatoes at all. I cut them out completely for over a year and then just gradually started to re-introduce tiny amounts over a long period. Now I can manage a small tomato a day. Just a wee thing like a tomato can help put alot of pleasure back into eating a bowl of plain whole grain rice.
I hope this is of some help and really wish you well.

Kind regards
Kiwi68
Posted 10/2/2013 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
Oh well that killed the conversation...

I suppose no-one likes being told to eat their veg.

But that is how I got rid of my fistula, may not work for everyone but it worked for me.

Two other things I gave up were chocolate and alcohol, not that I had a lot to start with but once I started to record what was happening to me and when, I realised they were both really badly affecting my mood.

If you are up for the challenge for a few months it would great to hear how you get on.

Good luck.

Kiwi68
Posted 10/2/2013 7:18 PM (GMT 0)
Good day

After reading all your posts I have actually found some sense of...well, not being alone through all this.

42 yrs old, since Feb 2010 I have had 7 perianal absecess'. Some had surgery, other explode while Im shopping in Target and I am helpless but to run to the washroom with a trail of black behind me. Every doctor/surgeon never wants to tell me why. One young Doctor didnt freeze me right so I got to feel the scalpel. I let it burst on its own now. No antibiotics ever administered - Im beginning to feel like a lost cause.

4 different hospitals and NO reason why I am getting them. I used to say to myself that the next one i get Im killing myself but I really don't want that. I live through the quarter annual pain. But now I have 2 in two weeks and this worry's me and this is why I sought this forum.

I am beginning to think its a lifestyle issue - 60lbs overweight, beer and bread diet. I have read about SCD and I am going to give it an honest go.

Just reading your posts really give me some insight and support. Thank you for that.
Posted 10/11/2013 5:47 AM (GMT 0)
Well I had a seton put in place on Monday~ I'm still not sure I understand all this stuff. I see my surgeon Oct 16. I have many questions for him. I didn't get to see him after surgery. He spoke with my husband and told him everything went well and I will need another operation in 6-8 weeks..... :(  I don't have chrons.  I started out back in June with a Anal fissure, had that operated on, then got an abscess, had that operated on, then got a fistula..... I'm totally lost on all this stuff. I just keep trudging forward!!! Hoping there is an END!!!! confused
Posted 10/30/2013 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hello all,

I'm glad to have found a forum where I can relate to other people about these horrible perianal abscesses. I'm now experiencing my third major abscess since the beginning of September. Altogether I've had 4 in the past 2 months! I've had 2 major ones drained in the ER, and one minor one drain on its own. I'm now experiencing another one which I think will be big, so I'm going to see my PCP tomorrow.

My first abscess, I had no clue what it was. I thought maybe I had hemorrhoids, but after a week of being in pain, went to the ER and discovered it to be a perianal abscess the size of a golf ball! When I had this one drained, they packed it with gauze that came out after 2 days. Two weeks later it came back...

When the second abscess came, it wasn't as painful since I didn't wait a whole week to have it drained. This time they placed a silicon/rubber string in which looped through 2 incisions to keep it open so it would drain. This was a LOT less painful than the packing gauze. This was left in for about a week, then was removed and I was fine for a few days...

I then got another minor abscess and was planning to go back to the doc for yet a third time, but this one ended up draining on its own...thank God! I was good for about 2 weeks, until yesterday...

I am now experiencing pressure down there and made an appointment to see my doc tomorrow since this one seems to be getting bigger and more painful. Each time I've seen the doc, they did a rectal exam and said they highly doubt I've developed a fistula, however will not completely knock that idea until I get further examed (with mri or ct scan). I'm hoping to get referred to either a general or colon rectal surgeon to get this fixed once and for all. I was told that if my perianal abscess recurs in the same area, having surgery (aside from the incision/drains) will help.

I've been doing plenty of sitz baths (with and without Epsom salt) and they help a ton with the discomfort. I'm pretty sure the regular sitzing helped me the time the abscess drained on its own.

Although I haven't been diagnosed with CD, I'm looking to change my diet as if I did to see if that would help. I'm not the healthiest and am at least 30 lbs overweight, so at this point I'm willing to do anything to put an end to this.
Posted 11/2/2013 10:16 AM (GMT 0)
@upallnight

Hello upallnight,

Hopefully you are feeling better and your surgeon was able to answer all your questions.

I found the following site which explains it well

http://www.bowelandkeyholeclinic.com/article.asp?article=8

Good luck for your next operation.

rgds
Kiwi68
Posted 11/2/2013 10:24 AM (GMT 0)
@sevyleo

Hi Sevyleo

Sorry you hear you are having such a bad time of it.

I don't have any miracle cures but if you are able to commit to 20-30 minutes a day for possibly a few months to try what I did to find out if it will get rid of this for you then please let me know. The diet change is very simple but you do have to be committed to it to give it a chance to work.

Kind regards
Kiwi68
Posted 11/3/2013 4:58 PM (GMT 0)

I have a similar story, but I do have a diagnosis of Crohn’s. However, for years I was told that what I have was colitis and I was on medication for dria and belly cramps. I did not have any other symptoms. Then about 3 years ego – a bump, them abscess, pain then fistula, plug, c diff infection, Seton, fistulatomy. After fistulatomy my wound would not heal for 3 month’s and my diagnosis changed to Crohn’s after I changed my doctors. I was put on Remicade and after 2 infusions the wound started to close! Had a reaction on the 3 infusion and had to stop Remicade and start Humira. My wound never closed all the way and now I have what is called a “key hole defect”. I am leaking post BM and need to use wipes to clean. Remission-No pain or any more issues for 3 years on Humira until July of this year – another bump, abscess, fistula, Seton.  I developed anti body to Humira and it stopped working, hence another fistula.  Doing blood work to see if I am able to take Methotrexate. Its very important to find doctor who is experienced with colon rectal issues, I had to change docs many times until I found the one at  teaching hospital – its seems that docs there are much more experienced with many different issues. Some private practice docs may see only a few people with these issues during their whole career, Teaching hospital docs may see that many people in a week. Just had Seton out last week, so far so good, no pain, still leak post BM.

There is something going on in there for you to keep having the abscess – some type of inflammation, infection. You need to be on some type of meds to keep that in check. Get a second opinion, go to a teaching hospital that has agood reputation for dealing with gastro issues.

Good luck 2 u!

Posted 1/16/2014 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
HELLO, Im new here and scared about what I come to find out is a perianal abcess.Thought it was a hemmoroid but ruptured ive never had this issue ever im 29 a simple dude father of 2 eat regular and went online type in my condition and got scared of what I was seeing and reading that it might be dangerous if not treated right away.i have been draing a littlt of it just went to the er because im afraid I have no pain since it ruptured but I read that surgery is needed for sure.and they sent me home with bacterium 800/100 I think and motrin plus ,while I was there they had a "code blue" right next door to where I was making me more scared , anyways they sent me away gave me a surgeons number .I call needed insurance im pending for medicaid I dont have money for visit at all im all stressed out even more now , the call center I worked at closed. Down in august and ive been trying find any job I can.so im take meds my mom works at pharmacy and gonna get me cotton ball so i can wipe the liquid when I need to but what do I do just squeeze little by little until all out, I dont know when medicaid will kick in so I can have the surgery, PLEASE ANYONE HELP
Posted 1/17/2014 7:06 AM (GMT 0)
By the sounds of it, you have it close to the skin since it popped, correct? if so antibiotics could work but if it'. Already popped and draining it could heal on its own, or they may have to cut it out and have it packed daily to let it heal from the inside out, depending on size.
Posted 1/31/2014 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, I'm 19 years old and I had my first abscess in my anus area last year and I got it drained and everything but last night I felt it and it was coming back. I'm just kind of scared of this. And I'm wondering what will be the result for having abscess the second time? Will it just be the same drainage or will I have to go through a surgery?

And I also understand your pain. Going through abscess the first time made me loose weight and like made me miss school because of my meds.
Posted 2/1/2014 10:34 AM (GMT 0)
I'm glad to read all these as I'm going through the same. Mine is now a chronic fistula which started October of last year. So far I've had about 5 surgeries and had seton which already cut through then had it put on again but it came off however my colorectal surgeon decided not to put it back and cross our fingers.

The last two weeks after my surgery I was doing far better until today. I'm in pain again because I think the incision is getting too small and it cannot drain the pus out. I really hate this feeling. For that person who said he cannot function, I totally understand - I had to leave my job because of this. It's becoming really depressing as I can't even get myself out of bed on bad days.

I must admit, I have a terrible diet which I will change starting now. But for 4 months now I've been hypoallergenic diet so I won't risk getting the inflammation worst. That means, I haven't had chicken or seafood in months and a lot more. I eat pork and beef ( I just found out beef isn't good).

My doctors wanted to start me on Remicade but delayed it as it may have bad reaction on me. I don't know.

For those who got better, I'd appreciate any advise. I've been suffering for 4 months now.
Posted 5/9/2014 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
It makes me feel so much better knowing I'm not the only one going through this terrible experience. That others are feeling the misery and pain I've been dealing with for the past two years. That I'm not the only one wondering what the eff is wrong with me and my body. Thank you to all who have shared their pain and experiences on this forum. Talking about this issue with anyone is very difficult as it is an extremely private (and embarrassing) health concern. It's good to know I'm not alone.

I've had two surgeries for 2 perianal abscesses that reoccurred in the same spot in the course of 2 years. The first surgery was done by a General surgeon, the 2nd by a colorectal surgeon. My advice to anyone dealing with abscesses, fistulas, etc is to go to a colorectal specialist. They typically have more experience and have dealt with your problem many times. The 2nd surgery healed perfectly and I haven't had any issues in that spot.

Yesterday I noticed the same kind of pain (you know the feeling) happening in another spot. Opposite side and further back.. Today it swelled and got worse and more painful as the day progressed. I'm absolutely miserable. Why is recurrence so prevalent with this health issue? I've never been diagnosed as having chron's, IBS, anything that typically leads to these issues. My doctor suggested it had to do with my diet, which I have altered for the most part but haven't stuck to a specific regimen.

Starting today I'm completely restricting my diet. Does anyone have any suggestions about what to include or avoid? Will be cutting out fat, carbs, processed anything and adding way more fiber and natural foods. Let me know if you have any helpful hints or things that have worked for you.
Posted 5/22/2014 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
hi everyone,

first time on here but interesting to hear everyone differing experiences and suggestions.

I was rushed into emergency surgery over 18 months ago with an abscess which they drained and put in a seton drain - initially it was quite difficult to walk etc, but I soon got used to it - it was one of the cutting setons and after a month or so I had to get antibiotics to treat it as it felt as though it was coming back - get checked every 3 months by colorectal specialist and am due to go back for surgery on monday (3rd time - 2nd time was June last year where they removed my seton replaced with another and inserted another).  Not really had much bother since June - it is a pain in the butt - but you get used to it - some days it can be painful, but I just sit on lots of lovely comfy cushions to ease the pressure and that seems to help.

I do keep the area extremely clean however - my catchphrase is that 'I have the cleanest butt in Scotland'!!

Not sure what will happen next week, but I think they are hoping to remove one of the drains and open it up ... and tidy up the second one - fingers crossed everything will be ok.

I can honestly say that the treatment from the staff, consultants etc, at Ninewells hospital has been amazing - also my local GP surgery in Tayport where the head Doctor is extremely clued up on my condition as are the nurse - they've been amazing too.

Good luck to everyone here and hope you manage to cope as I have - lets see what happens next week.

K xx

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