My fistula experience so far.

Just thaught I would share my experience so far. It started back in July 2016 when I felt a lump next to my anus. I thaught it was piles and just kept putting cream on until it burst 2 months later. Went to GO who put me on antibiotics. After a week no joy, so put me on another weeks worth. It kept filling and draining with blood and puss running down my leg. I went to A&E and admitted me on 5th October to cut the top off and drain. The surgeon after said he had never seen such a large abscess. Guess I left it too long! Anyways the nurses came everyday until February when they discharged me as there was no more they could do for me as it wasn't healing. I knew this and again and again mentioned a fistula. They kept saying no as it wasn't tracking! So I went to the GP three times, each time he sent a letter requesting a follow up for me. I had been lost in the system. Anyways I had mri in May 2017 and confirmed a high complicated fistula. I am on my 3rd cutting Seton and the third was supposed to be the last so they could lay it open. I'm in for my fifth op next Wednesday 20th December. Will it be the last? Who knows. The reasoning behind the cutting Seton is for it to slowly cut through the muscle like a cheese cutter whilst it heals behind it, slowly bringing it to the surface so that they can lay it open. I read on here that it has not hurt too bad, The cutting Seton has hurt like hell most of the time. I have good days with no pain but others with massive bleeds and pain. I can only put it down to cutting through the tissue. I'm optimistic and have no other choose. I tried the diet prior to the ops etc, but the only way is surgery. I have always feared hospitals and needles, but I am so used to it now. We are on first name terms and have a laugh about it. I literally walk into the operating theatre with my pillow. They put me to sleep and then find out? My last but one op was a partial lay open and new cutting Seton. I woke up in a lot of pain with that one. In summary surgery is the only way. You get used to it. Nothing to be afraid of. I'll let you know when I'm fistula free!😊

1 like, 5 replies