need info about abscess and fistulas

Brijoy thank you so much, I was actually referred to a GI by my general practioner, but the GI took a look at my chart and immediately referred me to a surgeon recommending a colonoscopy, never even got to see the GI. But when I went to see the surgeon he didn't want to do a colonoscopy yet, he isn't convinced that I necessarily have crohns, Bc I don't have D, in fact I have quite the opposite problem. I don't know if I necessarily have crohns or not either, I would just really like what ever is going on with my bottom to go away. Basically he just wanted to wait and see if it go away even though he was told I have been dealing with this for going on 5 months now. But you are right, I need to stay positive.

Mother2010

In response to your question as to whether or not I had any other symptoms while I had the fistula.....the answer is no. I has occasional D, but nothing major. I could usually attribute it to something I ate, or stress. It was about 1 1/2 later that I had stomach pain & D, which led to further testing to confirm Crohn's. Good luck!

 Hi

I have perianal crohn's.  Was D in 2000 with Crohn's in large bowel, but over last 4 years have developed perianal abscesses, and now have open fistula (with seton in situ).  I was just surfing for some info and came across this site and your question.  I had about 6 drainages in the same area before the fistula was found in another area.  I know people can get fistulas without having crohn's, but it is probably important for you to see a Colorectal surgeon who has lots of experience with Crohn's patients.  It is usually the Gastroenterologist who does the colonoscopy (well, here in oz anyway).  We call them the drug prescribers and the surgeons the plumbers.

Perianal fistulas are extremely painful, and don't do a great deal for self esteem, as they are literally a tract that has burrowed from the bowel to an outside exit (almost like having two bottoms!!).  Keep up the pressure on your Drs and be really informed - it sometimes gets to the stage that you walk in and tell them what they need to do.  You really need a colonoscopy for diagnosis, but if you having all of this activity they won't do it.  Get the abscesses sorted, find out if they are fistulae through an experienced surgeon.  Make sure he/she is a specialist in the colorectal field and not just a surgeon who has attended a few seminars and has an interest in the colorectal area.  sounds harsh, but it is your health and in the end your happiness and sanity.

I send you all my warmest wishes - and remember, it's OK to crack the wobblies with the world now and then, cos being this crook is unfair, but also remember most of the time there are people who are so much worse off than us.

Thank you you clonehead and aussiecrohns, I appreciate the info. I go to see the surgeon tomorrow. I just want an answer, and for this to go away. The going away and then coming back is getting exhausting. Just wish one dr could tell me why my bottom keeps doing this.....

Hey mum2010

Sorry for the delay.  If your abscess is being 'fed' from somewhere, then it is a fistula.  Perhaps your surgeon meant a 'seton' rather than a stitch (for your sake I hope so).  A seton is a thin piece of plastic that is threaded through the fistula and then tied together on the outside - it sounds awful, but isn't.  It keeps the fistula open so bacteria can drain through without causing an abscess.  Over time  the fistula starts to close and the seton is shortened (I had a smaller seton inserted 2 weeks ago and am feelin so much better physically), so in the end (with right meds) the fistula fully heals and there is no tract.

It looks like I may be changed to Infliximab as it has more studies than the newer drugs and seems to work better with fistulas.

OMG - I sound so clinical - but that's what happens!  I really hope your surgery went well and would love to hear how you are.

All the best for your surgery and keep us posted.  What doesn't kill us makes us stronger!!!

Hi everyone.

I just had my colonoscopy done and everything was negative, as it seems so.. Doc took some samples to further diagnose and test for chron's.

I don't care about chron's or whatever, I just want my fistula to heal :(

It has became a hard bump which hurts and oozes out liquid everynow and then and sometimes it's brown in color. Which means it's my poo!! SO DISGUSTING.

I just want this hole to close and doesn't want to have two anus :@

Can anyone please tell me what surgery procedures are there right now to help with fistula?

One that has the best success rate and not leave any hole/scar?

I only know of seton, protein glue, these two.

But I do not want seton because it is always in the fistula to allow drainage and sort but I don't want that, I want the hole to close :(

Can anyone please advice me? So I can discuss with my doc..

I just want this hole to close and not leave any scar! :(

Thanks again~~

Hi everyone, I had surgery yesterday. From what I was told everything went well, the surgeon didn't find any communication, or I am assuming he meant a fistula. Which is good news. I am pretty sore, but luckily the abcess was actually starting to get smaller before the surgery. Thanks for all the support and advice again. Hopefully this will resolve everything, keeping my fingers crossed.

 Hi mum2010

You are doing the most you can do with the pain - however remember the painkillers are prescribed purely for that reason.  I always get prescribed endone after an op and find I only need to take it for a couple of days.  Salt baths are the best and staying off your behind helps.  Walking can be painful, so rest as much as you can - read a few books, watch some telly and make the most of the recovery period, as you have a reason to rest.  The last thing you want is to have to go back for more surgery.

Washing with acqueous cream in the area helps me, as it is not perfumed and is very gentle.  Try and avoid talcom powder, and if you are near the ocean get in there naked!!  Natural salt water is the best.  Be gentle on yourself and CARE about yourself.

I hope things keep improving.

 

OUCH!

I've had many perianal abscesses drained and never had stitches.  They have always left the site open to allow drainage.  You would need to ask your surgeon why - they obviously have a reason.  Usually the site is left open so any collection can drain.  Check with them.  Have they stitched in a pez drain, as these can be used to drain any collection and are often stitched in.  They usually remove it when the stitches are removed.  Again, check, and never be afraid to ask questions and query why they are doing things.  It's your body, your life.

   All the best

Oh and aussiecrohn no it does not seem like he placed any drain, just two stitches. But there still seems to be enough of an opening on one side to allow for drainage.

I forgot to add that my fisrt bowel resection back in 1990 was done because I had  a fistula from my small intestine to my bladder.It was the sickest that I have ever been and the diagnosis took too long.When I had my colostomy one of the fistulas was draining into my vagina.It was a hard time.

I beleive that the diagnosis of Chrons ,UC,IBS is still difficult for doctors.My life with Chrons has been a huge learning curve and I probably have knowledge to share. Im sure I will learn from this forum.