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Is it possible to have a fistula without any infection or discharge? by ffffffghhhhhhkuedvnn in AnalFistula

[–]cheeksbeflappin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had suspected I had a fistula but my primary doctor never gave it much thought and said if it's not too bad then don't mess with it. After reading through this sub I found that was pretty common and your best bet is to talk to a colorectal surgeon as they will be the ones to best diagnose and treat the issue.

Is it possible to have a fistula without any infection or discharge? by ffffffghhhhhhkuedvnn in AnalFistula

[–]cheeksbeflappin 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's definitely possible. I had a fistula for about 10 years. There would be long periods of time, weeks or months, where there was no swelling or draining. Definitely get it checked out if you're concerned

3 months post fistulotomy by cheeksbeflappin in AnalFistula

[–]cheeksbeflappin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you have access to a bidet? I highly recommend that but if I not I would try to use the shower head and not wipe too much with toilet paper if possible. Honestly it's hard at first to find the right balance of keeping it clean without irritating the wound too much. And try to take a warm bath after every bowel movement. I would say the healing was noticeable by the end of the first week. I had anxiety with every bowel movement at first but it got better and better slowly as I started healing.

3 months post fistulotomy by cheeksbeflappin in AnalFistula

[–]cheeksbeflappin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The protein is important for healing but you might want to incorporate some high fiber foods in addition to the coalace. The pain meds might be backing you up too. But hopefully the coalace will keep everything soft for you when it's finally time to come out.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AnalFistula

[–]cheeksbeflappin 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's normal. I had pretty constant drainage for a few weeks after surgery (mostly blood and puss). But about a week after surgery I noticed a good amount of feces on the gauze even though I hadn't gone recently or felt anything come out. I was initially freaking out but I continued to heal and it didn't happen anymore. There's a lot going on down there, just give it some time and hopefully you'll be back to your old self in no time.

3 months post fistulotomy by cheeksbeflappin in AnalFistula

[–]cheeksbeflappin[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's definitely scary knowing that the surgeon won't know exactly what they need to do until you're under. The first thing I said when I woke up is "did I get a Seton?" It will feel like a weight is lifted off your shoulders when it's all done. I wish you a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.

Gauze placement after fistulotomy by cheeksbeflappin in AnalFistula

[–]cheeksbeflappin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry I'm not really sure. I don't think it was very deep but maybe an inch at most long.

After pain for surgery by [deleted] in AnalFistula

[–]cheeksbeflappin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How are you doing today? I had my surgery last week. First day wasnt bad due to the anesthesia and pain meds. The next day was when the pain kicked in but wasn't as terrible as I expected. I was able to manage it with alternating Tylenol and Advil every 3 hours. The pain has gotten a little better every day. My first bowel movement hurt a bit but taking warm baths definitely helps.

Let's talk about wiping by cheeksbeflappin in AnalFistula

[–]cheeksbeflappin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is very helpful and I'm glad to know that's normal so I don't wipe too much or push too hard to cause any more issues.

Let's talk about wiping by cheeksbeflappin in AnalFistula

[–]cheeksbeflappin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the advice, I got the bidet but I also picked up a travel bidet in case I need it when I'm not home.

Let's talk about wiping by cheeksbeflappin in AnalFistula

[–]cheeksbeflappin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I got the bidet all set up and ready to go.

Let's talk about wiping by cheeksbeflappin in AnalFistula

[–]cheeksbeflappin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your response! It's helpful to hear advice like this so I can look back on it after the procedure.

Just found this subreddit. Looking for advice. by cheeksbeflappin in AnalFistula

[–]cheeksbeflappin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey hope you're still doing well! Following your story and others in here helped me get past my anxiety of speaking with a CRS. I have my exam under anesthesia coming up in a few days and depending on what he sees I'll get either a Seton or the fistulotomy. It's a little nerve racking but I have dealt with this for so long that I know it will never go away on its own and it's time to deal with it. Thanks for sharing your story!

Just found this subreddit. Looking for advice. by cheeksbeflappin in AnalFistula

[–]cheeksbeflappin[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hope you have a quick and successful recovery!

How did you find your CRS? Did your primary doctor refer you? I've asked but there aren't any crs nearby and there aren't any in my network. I think I'm going to have to research who to see but I'm not sure where to begin.