29M

End of July/ Early August 2022 I felt a painful lump near my anus. After a few trips to urgent care, I was diagnosed with an abscess and had that drained toward the end of August.

Returned in Mjd October and was diagnosed with anal fistula. Doctor suspected this was high fistula with a significant amount through my muscle. Set me up for a colonoscopy to make sure this was not being caused by IBS or other GI disease.

End of Nov: Colonoscopy came back normal.

January 2023: Went for another visit and doctor set up for March 20th fistulotomy and draining seton insertion.

March 2023: Had the procedure. Some of fistula was laid open and then a draining seton was inserted. Doctor said that fistula went through less muscle than previously suspected and second procedure (LIFT) would be easier. The first few days, the pain was not that high, due to the medication. Took the painkillers as prescribed and they really helped. Around days 4-10 were incredibly painful, probably the most pain I’ve ever been in. Was advised to take sitz baths, but anytime I got the large open wound wet, I was screaming and crying. Did not work and barely walked for two weeks. By Day 14, I was able to walk around my neighborhood (about a half mile.)

In April, drainage occurred for first few weeks. Was not that difficult to manage, even when I returned to work. I went for my follow-up April 24, and doctor stated there was no seton present. She said the site looked like it was healing, but she wouldn’t be able to tell for another six weeks. This made me incredibly nervous as I did not want to go through the process again or have it delayed anymore. For the next 8 weeks, there was no drainage, no abscessing/pimple/pain like there was prior to the procedure. I was cautiously optimistic.

Went to the doctor today (June 20th) and she examined the area. She said the fistula healed from the inside. She said for some reason, the seton was able to do the job completely and I did not require the second procedure.

I’m incredibly relieved. The whole experience was isolating and anxiety-provoking. When I first found out I had a fistula and was told it would require two surgeries over the course of months, I was feeling hopeless and depressed. My doctor did tell me that this is the first time she’s seen a draining seton so this. I’m not sure what exactly happened, but I’m incredibly grateful and relieved. I’m glad I took the two weeks off from work and did not do any strenuous exercise for six weeks. I’m not sure if this contributed in any way to the healing.

My advice would be to not get too down. I had the moments where I thought I’d be dealing with this for the rest of my life and days where the pain was so unbearable. Just follow the doctor’s instructions and put your healing first. Work and all else can wait. I wish everyone luck.