Help! recal fistula! so much pain need advice now pls.

Sorry for what you're going through!! I developed a recto-vaginal fistula almost 2 yrs ago and I had severe constipation with frequency and it was hell so I know how horrible you feel...I broke down and started smoking mj, I don't know if you have that option but I can honestly say as much as I didn't want to go that route I am so glad I did, I had to wait a few months to get in and see my GI about it so I was freaking out and it horrid pain and smoking the mj was amazing beyond belief to tie me over until I got in to see my GI (he put me on Humira and Humira did heal the fistula as well as the rest of my CD inflammation in my colon and rectum (crohn's colitis; CD affecting the colon) anyway, I could barely walk, could not sleep and frequently had epsom salt sitz bathes to try and ease my major discomfort, smoking the mj was the greatest gift of relief for me though.

Sorry I don't know what else to suggest as that was all I could find to help me...I couldn't take any pain killers cuz they would have made my constipation even worse and I was terrified I was going to pass more than just air through my vagina with that recto-vaginal fistula thankfully it didn't come to that though.

I hope you find some relief...by the way, I'm still smoking mj cuz not only did it help with my major pain but it also helps me sleep at night without waking up frequently...I had insomnia issues for the most part since I was a kid and not getting enough sleep definitely makes everything in life that much harder.

Good luck!

Thank u for the advice. I have a 4month old baby and this is taking a toll on both of us. Wouldn't cold work better then hot to reduce the inflammation?

So long ago (10 years maybe) I developed what is called a 'complex fistula' very low close to my anal opening (that sounds disgusting). It's called complex because there are multiple paths and openings. I feel for you, because the pain was intense prior to it opening. Lot's of nerves in that area. Even after I was in pain for about a week or so.

I found sitting in a warm bath with epsom salts were my best friend. Again the pain went away after about a week though when active the pain and discomfort is there, but very mild. Nothing like before.

So my guess is just give it a little time for improvement. Try sitting in the tub for relief.

On a side note: Remicade closed this fistula. So drug wise it might be something to consider if you are not currently on it and have access to it. I avoided the need for fistula surgery this way.

Salt baths are very helpful, I got these on a regular basis. I found anti-inflamatory drugs, tramadol and morphine helpful. In my case I have a fistula and had a fistulotomy and cutting seton this week. It has helped me. I have a seton because I had a severe abscess with Sepsis.

Diet is important for me as well high fibre helps (but I don't think I have Chron's) drink plenty of water. Avoid tea, coffee and carbonated drinks.

This started in March, I neeed another surgery in 3 months, and will be healed in 6 months. I do sympathise as the pain is something else!

Post Edited (MOUSE) : 8/27/2015 8:01:57 AM (GMT-6)

Advil Advil Advil my doc told me after my fistula surgery and it helped take with food but don't take it long term, I did three a day for 5 days and it helped a ton!