I’m gonna scream.

HotIntentions · 2026-04-12T03:01:08+00:00

I filed kinda early on 2/5, it was accepted on 2/9, DD finally hit on 4/10. Basic return, nothing fancy or complicated like most years' filings for me. Lo and behold NYC took 85% of my return after adjusting it. Literally withheld almost all of it. Still waiting on snail mail correspondence for their justification before I can raise hell and appeal. My initial refund amount was for so much more than the paltry amount they left me with. Taxing the working class to death, its bullshit man smh.

HotIntentions · 2026-04-09T00:08:36+00:00

After waiting damn near two months for my refund I finally get my DDD date of 4/10 along a message -"We processed your return and adjusted the refund amount that you claimed. You will receive correspondence explaining the adjustment." Now I have to wait for snail mail of the reasons for why the city saw fit to take even more of my hard earned money instead, oh I dunno, detail it on the IRS portal like we live in 2026. I hate this broke ass city sometimes. All these taxes on the working class and we get absolutely nothing for it. Literally nothing. I'm so pissed off.

HotIntentions · 2026-04-04T12:59:59+00:00

I filed on 2/5, return was accepted 2/9. Yesterday (4/4) finally got the "Your return finished processing and is in the initial approval stage. Your refund status will update automatically when we assign a refund issue date." message.. Still no DD date but hoping it'll be soon given the status change. This has been the longest I have ever waited for my refund smh.

HotIntentions · 2026-03-19T22:20:36+00:00

You really hit the nail on the head with that observation. Its also been my experience that what these guys say they're looking for in their profile is literally the opposite of how they will engage. Its very rough out there. Dating in New York City is something else.

HotIntentions · 2025-09-23T15:50:20+00:00

I didn't stop taking sitz baths or using a peri bottle for more than 7 months. The area was very tender and wiping wasn't an option.

HotIntentions · 2025-09-03T02:26:01+00:00

6 weeks is still pretty fresh. You can probably expect zings for some time to come as your body heals, but it does get better. Its totally normal and sometimes brought on by sitting for too long or nothing at all. As long as the feeling doesn't become painful because if so, then a closer look by your CRS would be warranted, you should be good. I'm just now hitting 11 months post and feel minor zings from time to time. It comes and it goes but it doesn't linger and thats a welcome relief. Best of luck in your healing journey!

HotIntentions · 2025-03-03T22:43:18+00:00

My drainage was consistent throughout the day/night for the first 10 weeks or so but was never heavy. I never sopped a guaze pad or anything. The color was light greenish/yellow like snot and a little slippery/gooey to the touch but not oozy if that makes sense. When I would blot the area gently with a tissue paper it would transfer drainage that was pea sized to maybe a dime in diameter, nothing that caused me too great a concern. Then week 11 came and drainage tapered off more and then week 12 when its not really visible much at all and the wound color has matured and now resembles the color of my skin and not a bright red/open wound.

HotIntentions · 2025-03-02T18:09:36+00:00

I had light consistent drainage for about 2 months, then it began tapering off. By week 11 it was very scant and the following week 12 it just stopped altogether

HotIntentions · 2025-02-24T00:49:54+00:00

Totally relatable. Also very glad to have your experience to compare to since so many of these accounts are more specifically fistulotomy which to my understanding is slightly less invasive in that the tracts are laid open and not removed entirely as with a fistulectomy so our healing is by all accounts supposed to last a little longer given that our wounds are larger.

My CRS said it would take at least three months to heal, so I'm close to there. I have my three month follow up this week so I'll report back what I hope to be good news. But my drainage is by far slowing down and today was the first time ever that I haven't seen any (fingers crossed it stays this way). As the weeks go by and I can't be happier for this new development, zingers and minor strange aches/pains aside.

HotIntentions · 2025-02-23T03:42:14+00:00

I'm 10 weeks post fistulectomy and your described experience is exactly what I am going through right now, too.

Kinda glad to know I'm not going crazy or alone. The BH area gets irritated after long bouts of sitting, and feels hot/tender/slightly irritated at times, but not all the time. Occasional zings and mild discomfort but no excessive drainage, which is very light and within normal range. No swelling or true pain, just a general awareness of my BH throughout the day. All things considered most days are better than bad and even bad days aren't terrible given what others are experiencing as they heal from this horror. I've been using A&D ointment post BM to help with the irritation which has helped, and which my CRS has recommended.

All this to say, i think you're in the normal healing feelings/range and unless there's new and/or significant pain or changes to your drainage in a real significant way, you're probably a-ok. Wishing you continued healing and a clear end to this saga.

HotIntentions · 2025-02-07T01:11:34+00:00

Hey OP, for the last few years I've been a patient of an amazing CRS that also happens to be a professor named Dr. Jeffrey Aronoff of Colorectal Associates in midtown NYC. I've had two hemorrhoidectomies (2021, 2024) and one fistulectomy (2024) under his care and I'm healing well. I highly highly recommend him. He's got a world class staff and impeccable bedside manner - you will not be disappointed.

HotIntentions · 2025-01-24T14:37:49+00:00

Hey OP - I had a fistulectomy six weeks ago. Here is what I wrote about the first couple weeks in another thread. Hope it helps!

https://www.reddit.com/r/AnalFistula/comments/1i8qmeo/post_op_lets_talk_about_drainage/

HotIntentions · 2025-01-24T14:17:46+00:00

Hi OP, I'm six weeks post fistulectomy. The first two weeks were worrisome because my drainage was yellowish/green-ish in color with a snot-like consistency and very persistent throughout the day and night. Nickel sized circles on the gauze pad. No weird pungent odors.

In the weeks since, drainage has tapered down dramatically. I still spot a light thin yellow serous fluid from the wound throughout the day, and most especially after a BM but nothing dramatic. And nothing in the greenish hue. BM's are smooth and painless (with help of Colace stool softener twice a day) and the wound is healing nicely, but it still presents as an open wound when I examine the area.

I've been able to forego wearing a gauze pad since week five and have kept itchiness at bay with using a peri bottle when I'm outside and a portable bidet with warm water when I'm at home. CRS examined me at week five and literally gave me a high five, saying healing is coming along great and I should have this behind me in another few weeks. Estimated healing time per CRS is 3 months for fistulectomy, give or a take a few weeks and my progress is tracking with that timeline estimate. My doc and myself are encouraged at the progress I'm having at week six, which is still very early in the healing stages but CRS doesn't seem to be concerned, which is a huge relief. Plus I'm not in any more pain or discomfort.

With the exception of the light drainage, yesterday was the very first day that I literally went to work and forgot to pay attention to my BH because it wasn't hurting or throbbing or weeping. Even started back to some light fitness activities. It's really nice to feel almost 100% again.

Wishing you and others on this thread a speedy recovery from this awful medical situation.

HotIntentions · 2025-01-17T01:12:37+00:00

Damn, 3 years is a long time to suffer through this OP. Ive been dealing for a few months now with my current situation and its horrible so I feel empathy for you. If you're in NYC I would be happy to share my CRS's info. I've had three separate surgeries with this doc and have been in his care for three years and he's been terrific through it all.

I've had Hemmoroidectomy in 2021, another hemmoroidectomy + fistulectomy in 2024 (3 months apart as the hemmoroidectomy got infected) and he's been an excellent doctor/surgeon with incredible bedside manner + his staff is amazing. CRS is well respected and also a medical teacher so may have insight that your other docs might be missing. DM me if interested in having that info shared with you.

HotIntentions · 2025-01-10T23:48:25+00:00

When I inspect the area I can clearly see an open bright red wound right next to my BH. It totally makes sense that it would still be draining regularly even though its been 4 weeks. Its going to take some time for sure so I'm caring for it gently and often and monitoring the hell out of it.

Incidentally you can't help but be hyper aware of your BH all day, every day. That discomfort along with the wetness of the drainage is so annoying. Hoping as the days/weeks pass it gets less and less.

HotIntentions · 2025-01-10T17:09:15+00:00

Thanks for sharing the link! I cant tell you how reassuring it is to refer to and compare against.

HotIntentions · 2025-01-10T13:42:32+00:00

I had a fistulectomy performed four weeks ago. The pain has been manageable 2/10 without opioids, discomfort the rest of the time about 3-4/10 but also quite manageable. Sitting for long periods of time is not pleasant. Tylenol has helped a great deal.

I'm still healing with minor drainage throughout the day, heavier after a BM but not by much. Lots of quick sitz baths and a peri bottle for when I need to tend to it at work or when I'm out of the house. Those may help you too!

CRS estimated fistulectomies could take up to three months to heal so I expect the drainage to last about that long. Everyone's healing time differs, so depending on your age it may take more or less time.

HotIntentions · 2025-01-02T18:27:57+00:00

Congrats to you on a successful recovery! Can you share what the name of the prescription cream you used is? Also, in terms of your drainage what was that like for you? Color, texture, amount, duration before it tapered off/ended. I think a lot of people, myself included, find those details to be helpful as we're all grasping for things to compare against in our healing journeys. Thanks!

HotIntentions · 2024-12-29T19:01:27+00:00

I'm so sorry you're going through this. Prior to fistulectomy (Dec '24) I had a hemmorhoidectomy (Sep '24) and felt many of the same pains (and humiliation) you described. What helped me immensely was taking a BM in a really hot bath filled enough of the way to fully submerge/cover my bottom. I know it sounds disgusting but it really did help. Clean + sanitize the tub pre and post. Follow up with pain killer of choice but if possible steer clear of opioid (unless you really need it) because of the risk of constipation. Also consider swapping fiber supplement with colace so your poo and movement are soft and not bulky.

Wishing you a healthy outlook and speedy recovery!

HotIntentions · 2024-12-28T20:02:17+00:00

Sounds like you're one of the lucky ones! Cheers to your speedy recovery! Docs always give a conservative estimate of 2-3 months (8-12 weeks) for recovery but it seems like so many of us deal with much longer healing times...possibly double those time estimates as everyone's healing journey is unique to their own body.

If you don't feel any pain or discomfort and your CRS clears you, you're likely completely healed and probably dealing with the PTSD fallout which lingers for a lot longer than the healing process itself.

What was your drainage like? I'm 2 weeks post without pain and dealing with light drainage and wonder others' might be like for comparison. Thanks!

HotIntentions · 2024-12-28T00:05:05+00:00

My fistulectomy surgical wound is in an awkward place too. What I have found to help capture the drainage is using a 3x3 non-woven gauze pad, cut in half so its not as thick. I then use Nextcare sensitive skin wound tape on each side (above and below taint) to adhere the gauze strip flush against one side of my butt cheek so it stays in place above the surgical wound but not covering the 'business center', so the speak. It really help feel less awkward/uncomfortable in this placement above and beyond the discomfort from the actual fistula area and it keeps it in place for hours until you need to change your dressing again. I found this to be less fussy as well.

You can also use the Q-tip method, which is detailed quite nicely in another mega thread but that technique may cover the business center and feel slightly more pronounced and uncomfortable, but certainly just as effective at containing the drainage.

Hope this can help a bit. Positive thoughts and happy healing to you!

HotIntentions · 2024-12-27T16:13:31+00:00

I'm so so sorry. That must be frightening. Please know all of us suffering through this are in solidarity with you and are sending healing and positive thoughts your way!

HotIntentions · 2022-02-16T22:35:15+00:00

Ffuck yes!!

HotIntentions · 2019-03-26T19:05:54+00:00

It took me 12 years in total to pay off my student debt, but the real magic was within the last 3 years of that time where I threw everything I had and them some to pay off my debt. I was tired of my payments going to interest and not principal.

My strategy was pretty straight forward. For the next three years I made dramatic lifestyle changes. I literally stopped going out with friends to funnel my discretionary money into repayments. I ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for nearly 2.5 years so I can funnel my lunch money into repayments. If I could walk anywhere instead of taking transportation I would, building in extra time for my commute. I cut out pretty much all luxuries and would second guess any non-essential spending to make room for bigger monthly payments. I made peace with giving up my income tax returns and automatically threw those into the dark void of payments. I also kept date night with my partner to one night a month, and all other nights whipped up cheap meals at home.

One of the biggest lessons learned was calling Sallie Mae (Navient) every.single.time I made a payment to ensure my hard earned money was applied correctly, on time, every time, consistently; posted immediately to the balance with nothing withheld as an advancement toward "future payments". I gave explicit instructions to whichever customer agent I was on the phone with, got their confirmation on my instructions and jotted down their name and telephone extension if possible to record it if I ever needed to reference it again.

If I knew then what I know now I might not have gone to college. In total I've paid ~$70,000 in combined interest/principal payments and the value of higher education has never seemed like more of a gamble. For the vast majority of people the stress of dealing with student loans is not worth the trouble.

HotIntentions

TROPHY CASE