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How often do perianal abscess occur?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/20/2012 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
For those who have had them, how often does it occur?
Posted 11/20/2012 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
I've only had the one. My colorectal surgeon thinks that it was the type that "normal" people get and that it had nothing to do with my UC, as it was in complete remission at the time. If I get another one, he said his opinion on that might change, and if I get more than one more, it would definitely change. I also have a fairly significant family history of perianal abscess on my mom's side, and I'm the only one with IBD.
Posted 11/21/2012 12:25 PM (GMT 0)
I have had one and it took about three years and several surgeries to repair the resulting fistula for my bottom to get back to normal.
Posted 11/21/2012 2:53 PM (GMT 0)
I've had 2 over the years- one burst & healed up fine, the opther burst & left me with a recto-vaginal fistula that I have to this day. Have had it for going on 4 years now. I looked into getting it surgically repaired, but the success rate is fairly low, so opted no to. It only bothers me when the UC is active- drainage, etc. Plus, I figured if ever get the whole colon out, I'd have it taken care of at that time. If an abscess occurs once, that's too often for me!!! Epsom salt soaks will help, but once it's there, it's there- your doctor can drain it or it will burst on it's own.
Posted 11/21/2012 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
why max...are you thinking you might have one?

They do happen in those without IBD, but it's best to deal with it asap to make sure there's nothing else going on.

If you do have one, that could explain some of the symptoms you're having.

q
Posted 11/21/2012 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
It's really hard to answer that Max...some people may just be prone to getting them...IBD or not.
Posted 11/22/2012 11:57 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies.

quincy, I thought I did (a small lump around my anus) but my G.P (not G.I) looked at it and was 150% certain it was a hemmie. The pain was moderate for the first day I discovered it (hurt everytime I coughed), but yesterday and today there is almost no pain. The lump has also subsided substantially.

I just read online that IBDers are more prone to getting an perianal abcess. Wasn't sure if what I had was or wasn't. What are the symptoms if you have one? Does it hurt more than a hemmie?
Posted 11/22/2012 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
If it was an abscess, it would be agonizing right about now- they do not hurt for a day or so, then subside- they get more & more painful until they burst, which can take about 10 days. You'd know if it was an abscess, believe me!
Posted 11/22/2012 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
External hemmies would hurt as you describe Max....I've had a few that caused throbbing down my butt cheek and into my leg. omg, it always caught me off guard when it happened.

If you've taken a look-see, it's like BBS...blue butt syndrome..lol.  Definitely a colour change when it happens.  And the pain will radiate from it depending on what nerves the inflamed tissue are affecting.  I've had some that radiated upward to my tailbone as well.  ugh.

Put steroid cream on it at this point...a few times a day for 3 anyway.  It will subside. 

But keep an eye on it when it happens again...not to say that an abscess cannot happen at the same time.

q

Posted 11/23/2012 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
Ok. I do have some spare hemmie/fissure cream around. Thanks for the advice.

My G.P also added that if it was an abcess, I wouldn't be able to walk due to the pain. Sounds horrible :-(
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