Fistula Bleeding A Lot

So, hey guys, thanks for reading this. I've actually posted a topic here before about constant itching around my peri(anal? rectal?) fistula:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=17&m=3786639

I only wish that was still my problem, strangely enough? I had a steroid cream from the doctor for a couple weeks that seemed to take care of the itching in that area. And have just been trying to keep extra clean (showers/baths/wipes) ever since, and the itching (at least for right now) no longer seems to be a problem.

What I am dealing with right now is bleeding from my fistula. Now, as a refresher to my story, I had a perianal abscess in 2009, drained in surgery that year and "healed," then found out in 2013 it became the fistula. Since that time, the fistula itself actually (somewhat) "RARELY" gave me problems. If I wiped too hard/too much or something it might bleed a little or feel bad, but I was able to sorta carry on normally. I've never had any surgery cuz I was too scared of being incontinent or something. To my knowledge, I do not have Chrohn's (never diagnosed with it).

But now I am getting blood all the time. Actually, when I took someones recommendation on the "itching" problem from my other post, to keep gauze or tissue on the area to prevent drainage from seeping along my skin -- I tried that for 24 hours, and it GUSHED blood. I have no idea why. Before and after that, though, I am getting way more blood than I used to upon bowel movements. It's day to day, but it used to never be like that. For the past 2-3 days now I am constantly having bright red blood (not a "LOT" but like WAY more than I was ever used to) on bowel movements.

What did I do wrong? Why have I angered my fistula so? I obviously have to schedule with a colorectal surgeon to take a look at it, I have to find a new one where I currently live. But any ideas? I sat in the hot bath this past evening for 20-30 min. after a bowel movement, but late tonight, I still am getting that red blood on the toilet paper.

Just looking for ANY insight or guidance. Now that it's suddenly bleeding a lot more, and the frequency seems to be totally ramping up, I am super worried that my fistula has turned into like cancer or something like that? Even back in the day when I would "anger" it, it would eventually get "better" (i.e. I wouldn't have to pay attention to it) after a few days/week of baths and stuff. I dunno. I need help. Thanks guys.

Wow, really?? Thanks for the reply. What are the other symptoms of Crohn's? I just always remember being told I didn't actually have it but somehow get the abscess and which became the fistula anyway. If you think the bleeding could be coming through the fistula from itself forming new tracts inside? That's a scary thought. Would that cause blood? I just keep trying to think what would start the occurence of way more blood after so many years with it kinda "dormant." I dunno. I get so worried that it's turned into anal cancer or something?!

Post Edited (theconvalescent) : 7/27/2017 12:54:49 AM (GMT-6)

My fistulas bleed at times. I use tea tree oil (diluted with coconut oil) to keep it clean. Or I try. Been a year.....

Regarding itching....you could try wiping the peri anal area with apple cider vinegar. It really helps.

Well thanks everyone for your suggestions. After calling around to docs today, I did schedule an appointment in early September with a GI doctor. This is who I should see to possibly diagnose Crohn's, correct? That was the earliest they could get me in.

I also called the Surgery practice of the two Colon & Rectal Surgery specialists near me who I could possibly see. They wouldn't do anything with me without a referral from another doctor. Funny, when I lived in Arizona, I saw a couple different colorectal surgery specialists just by calling up and making an appt. directly. Seems odd to me.

Regardless, I guess the GI doc is who I should see first, yes? To figure out possible Crohn's or what not? My experience is simply just consulting with a colorectal surgeon every now and then, ever since I've had this, just to simply be like "What do you think?" and kinda put my mind at ease. Have actually never been to a GI doc.

Yeah. Just worried. GI appt. far out and C&R Surg. docs won't seem me without referral. I know they do good but dear lord I ****ing hate doctors? lol

You need to get to a doctor before then. I agree with scifigal, you need to see a primary care doctor and they should give you an urgent referral. if not go to the ER. You need to see a GI and make sure this is not getting worse.
Not all doctors are bad, I blame the really crappy system instead that makes it difficult for everyone (has your insurance changed? some insurances cause the need for referrals). I used to dislike most of them but it makes a world of difference when you find the right ones. I have been to so many over the years but only just recently found an amazing group of them. So if you are not happy keep looking until you find the right ones