Made it through fistula surgery - big open wound

So I'm so glad I found this forum to see I did have a fistula. I had my partial fistulotomy and seton placement. But man I was not expecting this big gaping hole where the abscess was. The dr said the packing would fall out during the first bath. It did. Right now I'm soaking in the tub. I had a very small bowel movement yesterday but not really a full fledge one yet. Kind of that. I've been sleeping on and off due to the pain pills and tooting like no other.

The doctor said its a miracle I got in when I did because the fistula barely missed the muscle.

Thank you all for your support. I'll update as things progress. :)

I had my surgery almost two years ago years ago and it has opened and closed a couple of times or tore , from going too much to the bathroom. I have a crooked butthole now. Mine was in the left side. What helped was Cipro and flagyl combo to close it up. I don't know why they didn't give it to be before hand or after my surgery. I don't have a seton in, they never said I needed it. I had a big abscess too, so gross and omg the pain with having it and the pain after surgery!!!! Take your medication and take your Metamucil !!!! It will help!

I had diarrhea so that did not help, a year at least. Remember it's a wound and get no air to dry up, be kind to yourself don't rush

This is a link to another thread where I explained packing to someone else:
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=17&m=3024969

scifigal2k said...
Did they give you anything to pack it with?

They told me not to pack it. I have gauze over it to let it drain but he told me they pack it in the operating room then after first bath it falls out. Which is did. I guess I'm just scared I'm going to have this big gaping hole forever. I don't see how skin and stuff Can grow over a hole. lol

I've been taking many sit baths in just water in my bath tub. At first it stings then it feels soothing.the doctor explained to my family the sitz baths are just like antibiotics. Cleaning it out.

scifigal2k said...
Who, specifically, told you not to pack it? Was it a general surgeon or a colo-rectal surgeon?

The colorectal surgeon. It's on my instructions too that he wrote and gave it to my mom. I've seen some people say they had someone come and pack it daily on these forums and some were told to leave it open. I do cover it with my gauze but the main thing they said to do to keep it clean is soak in the bathtub.

Uniform Charlie said...

Lovely985 said...
The big gaping hole is definitely surprising. I also had one, when I had my fistulotomy and abscess drainage. I had to do wet to dry dressings for several days though. I still have a scar from that and I had it done 5 years ago. Hope everything goes well.

Lovely, how long did your fistulotomy take to heal and stop draining? Asking because I had the same procedure about 5 weeks ago although I'm sure the size and location can change outcomes. Were you on humira at the time? Also, do you think the humira has kept you from further fistula problems?

@Czech - A also did not have to pack my wound. I don't really know how I would do it in the location it is. I think its hard to say how long it will be for you if you have a seton. From what I've read, those can take a couple months but also can be left forever if they don't heal. I am wishing you a speedy recovery.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who isn't packing. I was getting worried. They told me the seton will be in three months but the abscess cavity it opens to I just want that that to close some. I don't like having a hole in my inner butt cheek lol.