Fistula w/ Seton

Fistulas just don't happen for no reason.  You have some underlying inflammation going on some where in your colon and you should see a GI and ask for an colonoscopy to see if you have crohns .

I had two massive rectal fistulas that appeared an inch from my anos and tracked back to my rectum,  and during surgery to install setons, the surgeon did a colonoscopy and took samples.  This is when I was diagnosed with CD in the lower colon and that was 2007.

GI wanted me to go on remicade as he said fistulas as large as I had would never fully heal by themselves.  Instead , after much research, I decided to follow the SCD diet and the only drug I took was pentassa.  Within 6 months both fistulas were completely healed to the point where the setons had to be removed.  My other symptoms of CD were gone also like blood and white muscus in my bms.

I still follow the SCD diet to this day and I have not had one symptom from my CD or another fistula.  This diet is not easy, and it takes 100% dedication on your part for it to work correctly.  I suggest reading the book "breaking the vicious cycle" which goes into great detail about this diet and how it works.  You have nothing to loose by trying this diet and all to gain if it works for you. 

First of all I am so thankful for this site! I am a 50 year old woman with IBS with severe constipation and a history of polyps. I went into surgery with the understanding I was having a hemorrhoidectomy (both internal and external) but woke up with all my hems still in place and a cutting seton. Post op visit doc said I had a very complex fistula and he felt doing hems and cutting seton and fissurectomies would be too much and create incontinence. (I had a colonoscopy in January which I woke up during in horrible pain! GI said the results were inconclusive and wants me to have another next year. Started having rectal pain a few days after the procedure. Went back to him he said nothing was wrong. Ended up at CRS who said I had 3 fissures. Apparently abscess formed from them. I truly believe the fissures could have come from the colonoscopy but can't prove that with my IBS.) Surgery was July 1. Doc didn't come see me or tell me anything after surgery so I have relied heavily on the info from this site so thank you!!

I am still, almost 6 weeks post-op, having a great deal of problems sitting and with pain. I have a VERY large thrombosis hemi sitting snugly beside my cutting seton knot. I honestly think the hemi is causing the majority of my pain. I'm a teacher and was truly hoping this would be done before I return to work August 18th but the doc says we will need another 3-4 tightenings and he won't do them but 1 every 2 weeks.

This past week, in a panic to find a way to manage things before returning to work, I hit the Internet hard! I was looking for home remedies for thrombosis hemorrhoids. One day I tried Apple Cider Vinegar on a cotton ball which resulted in burning at the seton site. Then I tried castor oil on a cotton ball on the hemi but no change. It is so large I also have very sore skin where it lays even though I take several hot soaks a day and after bms and use a hair dryer to ensure I stay dry too.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Doc says more surgery is in site but I have heard such horrible things about hem surgery and although I was willing before, I worry about adding more to the current situation even after the seton is out. Doc said no donuts but with this hems I can't sit up straight without serious pain.

I am so desperate I almost sterilized a needle to release some of the blood but became worried about infection. I asked doc if he could do something in the office now to relieve some of the pain from the thrombosed hem but he said he's afraid to do anything until the cutting seton is out as it would be even more painful. Any suggestion?

Oh, my diet has completely changed too. No longer having issues with constipation but often feel I have to go (rectal pressure). Lots of loose stool but stil not helping to shrink hem. 😥