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Posted 3/12/2011 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
My husband had a seton stitch inserted 5 days ago - due to a 'high and complicated' fistula. The first two days weren't so bad, but the last 3 days have been unbearable for him. He has been in so much pain. He was on Co-codamol, but that causes constipation which is clearly not helpful at all. After visiting the pharmacist yesterday, we bought Nuromol - a mixture of Ibruprofen and Paracetomal. A bit better now.

What I want to ask is, is this level of pain 'normal' and how long will it take to lessen? Has anyone else had this done recently?

 

Posted 3/12/2011 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
I do not have any experience with a Seton, but hopefully one of our members who have will be along soon. I wanted to welcome you to Healingwell and also tell you we Crohnies are not supposed to use NSAIDS such as Ibruprofen as it can cause bleeding in us. I would suggest you call his doc about something for the pain. You can use things like stool softners to keep the stool softer and easier to pass. Thats what I do. As stated I don't have a seton, but do suffer with chronic pain, and have to take pain meds all the time. The stool softners help me not to be come constipated. Hugs!

PS: The forum is slower on the weekends, don't be surprised is you don't get many responses till Monday. Hugs!
Posted 3/12/2011 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi. I had one recently... it depends what the pain is from, I personally found soaking in the bath helpful, sudocrem around the stitch area and moving the knot. I found that the knot would move either into the exit site or up into my anus and just by moving it out of the uncomfortable area would bring relief.

I hope that helps and that he feels better soon x
Posted 3/12/2011 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
It is going to hurt for a while, but the pain should lessen with time. However, if the pain is unbearable, I'd suggest ringing his doctor or the hospital where the seton was inserted, and asking for their advice. They may be able to advise on pain management etc, and may even want him to come back so they can take a look at the seton themselves. As Nanners said, NSAIDS like Ibuprofin can be a really bad idea for people with Crohn's, and can make us sicker in the long run.

You might like to look at the "abscesses and fistulae" link in my signature - lots of good information there.

All the best,

Ivy.
Posted 3/13/2011 4:02 AM (GMT 0)
I had two seton's placed Monday night. I was given Diloted (sp?) to take 1-2 every 6 hours, and have needed them about 3x per day due to pain. The seton's are generally uncomfortable for me, but not overly painful. This is with the HUGE exception of having a bowel movement. After having a bowel movement I am in EXCRUCIATING pain, and it lasts for hours. I have been trying to clean afterwards using the shower, sterile wipes, and sitz baths. It is really difficult to clean and it hurts SO bad. I have no idea how I am going to have a bowel movement out of the apartment, due to difficulty of cleaning, and being immediately put out of commission for hours. I hope others respond to this post, because I actually wanted to post this question as well. Is your husbands pain constant, or is it just in certain situations? I can't imagine having to deal with constipation with seton stitches, my heart goes out to him. Sitz baths are helpful to me for occasional, non bowel movement related pain, maybe that would be helpful to him? Good luck, I hope you guys can find something that works. I promise to let you in on the secret if I figure anything out.
Posted 3/13/2011 11:16 AM (GMT 0)
I have found that sitting in very hot water for long periods or being in a hot bath for hours (soap only) is bliss.

I take 2 co-codamol tablets every 4 hours for the pain.(8 max a day)
these are prescribed by my GP.
......................................................................................
edit: sorry did not read your post properly, re constipation ?
Just try paracetamol instead of co-codamol.that should work ok.

good luck
no6 (Yorkshire)

Post Edited (No.6) : 3/13/2011 8:17:19 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/14/2011 3:17 AM (GMT 0)
No. 6- How long have you had a seton that you are still having regular pain? I am going on a week since mine were placed and the pain seems to be subsiding some (thank God). Just trying to see what I am in for!
Posted 3/14/2011 2:07 PM (GMT 0)
hi tricknikki

I was bad yesterday with pain but 1 week after the seton stitch,
but today the pain has gone away a lot yippee.

Last night it was so painfull I had to sit in the bidet for a while.
(the following is gross so don't read)

When I use the loo to do a number 2 it is also painful, impossible to pass anything.
But when I sit in the bidet full of very hot water It automatically makes me GO and it is not painful at all, I am able to empty my bowel, into the hot water (bliss).
Try using baby wipes instead of sterile wipes.
(I use my fingers underwater while still sitting to clean my bum)

Looking into the bidet afterwords I am able to examine my poo in detail. I then cradle it in my hands and pop it down the loo.

Last nights poo was interesting it had a cut down the full length of it (8") I think the seton was cutting the stool along it's length.
I was amazed ..Another clean water bidet bath and I was ok.

Sorry for the gory detail My wife does not approve.

No.6
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