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Perianal abscess healing time

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 12/4/2016 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
Let me start off by saying that I have never experienced any sort of major medical problems in my life prior to this abscess. Needless to say, this whole process has been horrible, and I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy! It's been about a month since the I&D, and the wound is closed. The doc packed it for only about 2.5 weeks because he was encouraged by the healing rate. For all intents and purposes, I'm back to my normal routine, however I can still feel some pain (usually only when I sit) despite the wound being closed. Is this normal? Could this be an indication of a fistula? I know these things take time, but I'm just ready to get over it. I truly feel for all of you who have to go through multiple abscess / fistula surgeries. What a nightmare!
Posted 12/4/2016 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
I would think the pain is not unusual because a month really isn't that long and it's probably still healing internally. The nerves can have a bit of damaged from the abscess itself, the incision, and the compression from being packed, which may take a longer time to resolve. I still have pain from a small abscess (non-Crohn's related) I had during the summer even though it's been months since it healed. If your pain were to get worse, that would be reason to have it checked out.

I don't know about others with fistulas, but my experience was that I didn't feel any particular pain from them, but mine also didn't involve an abscess. Mine weren't connected to the epidermis, so that may make a difference as well.
Posted 12/4/2016 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
I completely understand your pain! It's insane. Currently sitting on a heating pad & another round of abx. Had 3 since August. The last one was 3 weeks ago....tried to pack for ER but literally couldn't. Then it burst. 4 days of the most disgusting drainage. (Sorry. Tmi). I have 3 fistulas which hurt me.

If you're healthy & this is your first I & D you should be feeling close to 100% but it can take time depending on location, nerves etc. Chiropractic really helps my abscess pain.

Follow up with your doc if you still feel pain next week. You may need an MRI.

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. It's horrible.
Posted 12/5/2016 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
Still very early to be worried. I wouldn't be too concerned at this point. I'm sure the doctor advised you that you have about a 50/50 shot of developing a fistula. Don't worry yourself by reading all the horror stories on this website, your issue will be unique to your situation. I had an abscess that became a fistula (or visa versa?) and went through three separate surgeries...incision of an abscess twice, then a fistulotomy. The first abscess incising was the absolute worst of all three...no way to prepare yourself for that! I assume you have not been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease?
Posted 12/6/2016 11:02 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all of your replies, it really means a lot. I followed up with the doc yesterday because I discovered a hard lump in and around the incision site. Scar tissue? Another abscess? Naturally, he couldn't give me a definitive answer as to what it was. This "wait and see" diagnosis is the worst! There is little to no pain and no drainage (that I'm aware of, anyway). Fistulas are characterized by continual draining, right? What a nightmare, I wish you all a speedy recovery!
Posted 12/6/2016 11:12 AM (GMT 0)
Oh, and no I haven't been diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease.
Posted 12/9/2016 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry to say that the constant worry and not knowing what is going on will probably be the norm for you for a while here. As things heal, you will have all types of weird feeling stuff going on. No, a fistula will not necessarily have constant drainage. Usually, a second abscess will occur as you heal if you have a fistula. My doctor was able to find both ends of the fistula tract after my second abscess.
Posted 12/15/2016 12:23 AM (GMT 0)
Right? I'm going back to the doc tomorrow. The lump has shrunk, so I guess that's a good sign. I get the feeling that it's only a matter of time before another one appears, though. We shall see! How long did it take for your second one to appear? Did you get it lanced and drained under GA? Mine was done with local. I will not be making that mistake again.
Posted 12/17/2016 5:31 AM (GMT 0)
I had what presented as a scrotal abcess then ultimately was a perianal abscess and fistula with 3 different tracts. My abscess was suppose to heal in 2 months but because of the fistula it didn't.

I am a week out of surgery and in so much pain but they only have me on 1 percocet every 6 hours so I am crap out of luck quiet literally ( just had my first bowel movement 8 days later..)
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