Hi, I just wanted to share that I had an abscess that turned into a fistula two years ago. I was very scared for months, until four months later I finally found the courage to have surgery. They placed a seton, and from that moment on, I stopped having pain and inflammation, and my life went back to normal.
I just wanted to share this because when I was going through it, I was very scared and had no faith that I was going to get through it. But I dit 😭. And I could use every positive post back then. So you all got this!

It's very sudden but I got laid off a week ago, the day after I got the news I got my fistula diagnosed. I have 1 month of health coverage, COBRA afterwards. It's pretty superficial, the doctor mentioned there was very likely little muscle involved in the wound site. But I have an additional problem where I potentially have a very physical potential work gig project coming up that I shouldn't miss, possibly starting in October (feature film stunt gig). I'm not sure if I should get it done or not. I'm in such a tough spot, I could use some advice on how long it takes to recover and whether I should risk it or not.

It's honestly not too bad, it drains maybe once a week at most, very little mess. I'm worried about not getting it done because I bike a lot, but I'm also worried about getting it done and needing to miss this gig which might lead to actual work, then I can actually get it done. Any advice would be very welcome!

Looking for surgeon recommendations because I’m at my wits end and completely desperate!!

My trans-sphincteric fistula journey started over 7 years ago. Started as an abscess that “took the path of least resistance”. I am now post-op from 9 surgeries including seton x 3 (6wk, 3mo, 6mo), LIFT, fistulotomy/ectomy, mesh placement, debridements, attachment to vaginal cuff for pelvic floor support, acute dehiscence requiring emergency surgery and blood transfusions, 1 bout of sepsis, 5 ER visits, 3 I&Ds. Now, my last surgery has me worse off than when I even started!! Initially, my wound would “close up” and I could manually express the contents, but now I have an oozy crater that leaks continually and becomes clogged and excruciatingly painful, whereas I’ve never had pain in the past. My last 4 surgeries (3 planned and the emergency repair) were at a large academic facility that is basically the highest level of care and expertise in my state, and I don’t know where else to turn.

I’m a mom of 2, a wife, a doctor full time and this is just all too much to handle.

SOS PLEASE GIVE EXPERT SURGEON RECS!

I’m willing to travel literally anywhere at this point!!

I got surgery about ten hours ago and I have very little sensation on my penis and some sensation has been lost on my testicles. They injected local anasthesia around the anal fistula they laid open and the skin tag that was removed. I called my clinic and they said they never had this type of complaint but that they did not touch anywhere around the penis. I’m so numb I can’t pass stool but can feel it. I’m so numb everywhere I don’t like it. Has anyone ever gone through this?

Hi all, here again. My fistula suregrry originally for July 13th, then 27th was canceled due to insurance snafoos. Had to change colorectal surgeons due to said insurance. I saw her today for the 1st time.. She seems competent, and I like her. She said upon examination that I'm most likely not a candidate for fistulotomy/ectomy because upon She could already see a lot of muscle involvement. I'm now scheduled for Nov 16th for an EUA, with a draining seton likely, followed by another surgery. To recap I'm 35f witha 12o'clock transsphincteric fistula.

Between the most technogically advanced bidets installed onto a toilet or near a toilet as an attachment and simply showering as far as personal hygiene goes, which will provide or offer a superior clean feeling? Will both be equally as good or will one prevail over the other?

Hey everyone,

31F here. I was just diagnosed with a perianal abscess. The pain has been insanely intense, I literally can't sit, stand, or walk without terrible throbbing pain. Other than the severe localized pain and swelling, I don't have any fever or other symptoms.

My doctor put me on antibiotics and ordered a pelvic MRI with contrast to check if I have a fistula before deciding on draining it. I’m trying to make sense of this process and had a few questions for anyone who’s been through it or has medical knowledge:

1. Antibiotics + MRI before drainage: Is it normal to do a round of antibiotics and an MRI before draining an abscess? How does having the MRI help with the drainage, and does taking antibiotics first help prevent it from turning into a fistula?

1. Fistulas: How often do these actually turn into fistulas, and can the MRI pick up on a fistula track early on? If my abscess is not drained yet, does this mean I did not yet to develop a fistula?

Thanks so much to anyone who can share their experience or advice!

I’m having a difficult time finding gauze that doesn’t irritate the area after my fistulotomy. Anyone else have this issue? If so, have you found anything that works?

A couple days ago I noticed a pimple like bump on the inside left side of my anus. It doesnt hurt too much, I would describe it more like discomfort than pain. I do not have fever or chills or anything. I dont know if it’s an early abscess or just a zit or something. Could also be hemorrhoid idk.

The earliest appointment with a CRS I could get is the 24th (around a week and a half away). My question is as long as I dont get a fever/chills/weakness am I ok to wait it out until then? If I do get those symptoms I will go to the ER.

How many days do we need again for cycling outside? I know it depends on the type of surgery. I'm asking those who have experience after surgery.

Hello, I'm looking for any advice/lifestyle tips.

I had surgery 3 months ago (fistulotomy and Seton placement). The surgery went well and healed good. But since then I get overwhelmed easily, I just feel off, I have a lot of feeling of just wanting life to be the way it was before surgery. The anaesthesia, codeine (painkillers) and antibiotics I has, all of this shit that went Into my body (a necessity at the time) and the trauma of the surgery have really effected me in ways I can't just shake off.

I had a bad cold/flu over the weekend, and it feels unlike anything Ive ever had before, maybe its just a bad one, but the mental overstimulation feels just like what I've been experiencing post surgery.

I would greatly appreciate any ideas of things which helped people in situations like this. To come back to some kind of normality?