HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Update

Support Forums
>
Ostomies
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 12/1/2011 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
   Well, went back to the doctor tonight.  Saw another physician whom is a little more thorough.  She took one look at it, said the other doctor did type into the computer that it drained pus BUT...this doctor suggested I go back to my colorectal surgeon because there may be a fistula underneath the boil.  She wants me to stay on the antibiotic until the surgeon sees me and recommended he see me ASAP....gulp.

     I thought fistulas only developed in Crohn's patients.  Am I mistaken?

     By the way...the nurse who took my vitals told me if she were I....she would go straight to the surgeon.

Posted 12/1/2011 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
Christine, I looked it up and here is some info. It sounds like the abscess (boil) can actually cause a fistula http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/anal_abscess_fistula/ . A fistula is a tunnel where it shouldn't be .... they can happen in lots of ways, e.g. in the developing world they happen in child birth a lot. It does sound like you should see your surgeon asap. Do I remember right that that's a trek for you?

Thinking I should have suggested that earlier, but I was going from my own experience, which was all before I had a surgeon.... my gi handled it. If you get it drained the right way, is best to have surgeon do it.... they are the best at cutting.

Glad you got some good help today. At least it isn't cancer, right?

What a drag to have this come out of nowhere when you were doing well. Hopefully just a minor setback.
Posted 12/2/2011 12:01 AM (GMT 0)
Try not to worry until you know for sure what it is...I know easier said than done. With the problems you've had on and off since surgery with that area don't fool around!
Posted 12/2/2011 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
     Hi...thanks so much for responding to my hysterics..lol.  I hope and pray to God it isn't cancer.  I was just reading up on fistulas and got scared to death..lol.  Oy, I don't know why I do this.

     Overall I considered myself doing well.  I have had a lot of blips post surgery.  I bled from my vagina (I'm 20 yrs post menopause), had a hematoma inside the anus which my surgeon drained at my first post op visit..without any anesthetic shocked ...things like that.  But,  at least I am able to do things and go places and EAT!!!  The stoma is a work of art.  Apparently, this surgeon prides himself on the stomas he creates and I was told he was the best in the tri-state area in that feat.

     How would he be able to determine whether there is a fistula?  Last year I had a CT scan of the pelvis and abdomen and it was clear.  Wouldn't it show on that?  Or, do they just appear out of nowhere?   Would I have to have another operation?

Posted 12/2/2011 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
I think it'd be a CT or an MRI to determine if it's a fistula. Not sure about the rest.... would imagine they would drain the boil, keep up the antibiotics, and go from there... and EQ mom is right, one step at a time.... could just be a boil and you're done.... I had a bunch of them that were not fistulas.... the boils can come on fast though....

I know what you mean about doing well overall.... I mean, I've been mostly on bed rest for two months, but it's nothing compared to how sick I was.... and EATING is a big part of it.

Call tomorrow, and hang in..... keep us posted.
Posted 12/2/2011 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
Glad you're getting additional help with this. I hope it's a simple fix.
Posted Yesterday 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
Christine, MY GOODNESS> what an ordeal. You have always sounded so upbeat despite all your set backs. I was not aware you had had that many. I hope this is a quick fix. God Bless. Rosemary
Posted Today 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
     Thanks.  Well, the "boil" or lump, whatever it is, is still there and it is starting to itch.  Maybe that means it is healing?  I have an appoinment with my colorectal surgeon on Wednesday morning.  I'm still on the antibiotic, doing sitz baths and using the antibiotic ointment...but no change.  It isn't draining either sad .
Posted Today 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
Glad you got an appt w/your surgeon, and sure hope it gets better soon.... I don't remember itching, but I might have had it too..... I blocked a lot. Sounds like you're doing all the right things.
Posted 12/5/2011 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
Christine,

So sorry to hear about your latest challenges....God Bless you!

jimmy
Posted 12/5/2011 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hope your appointment goes well! I don't have any incite on fistulas, hasn't personally happened. The cr surgeon would be the go to person. Let us know how it goes.....best of well wishes!!! (((Christine))))))
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply