I've had a fistula that my doctor tried to repair with a plug a few years back. It didn't work. It did continue to drain a little stool now and then. Because it was draining stool I never had any problems or pain with it and just learned to live with it until I was ready to have a different type of surgery. I woke up yesterday and discovered that the fistula opening is no longer draining stool but what I believe to be pus. It it a white/light yellow color. It aches as well, especially when I stand. It it near the lower part of my left labia. I've been taking Advil to help with the pain and the only anitbiotic I have is Macrobid. Is there anything I can do at home to treat it? My doctor is four hours away and I really can't afford another doctor bill right now! Any advice? I'm worried that this thing is just only going to get worse! Thanks in advance for your help.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Maybe your doctor will return a phone call? It's okay to say that you can't afford a visit. I'd advise against self-medicating or ignoring this.
Are you experiencing swelling? Any lumps? These symptoms, along with pain, could indicate an accumulation of fluids, and the start of an abscess. Try to take some warm-as-you-can-stand-it sitz baths, and as Scott recommends, contact your dr. and ask for another antibiotic. Something similar happened to me last year - including swelling - and my primary care physician ordered me augmentim 875 mg. 2/day, as my surgeons were either out or couldn't get me in ASAP. The augmentim did the trick, the swelling went down and all was well.
I would note that my fistula is in a similar location (only to the rt.), and it oftentimes drains what appears to be pus - this is the norm for me, I rarely drain stool. It also aches now and then. I know how frightening this can all be - but please call either your surgeon, GI, or PCP and try to get those antibiotics called in.
I would note that my fistula is in a similar location (only to the rt.), and it oftentimes drains what appears to be pus - this is the norm for me, I rarely drain stool. It also aches now and then. I know how frightening this can all be - but please call either your surgeon, GI, or PCP and try to get those antibiotics called in.
My perianal fistula drains mucus, which is normal. It also will occasionally drain blood after a BM, but that's not all the time. These are normal things with it. It's not a lot, but it's enough to be annoying and necessitate wearing a 2X2 gauze pad.
I agree with the hot sitz baths. Those really help.
Unfortunately, for the most part, treatment of abscesses and fistulas with antibiotics will not make them go away, but if you're having symptoms, sometimes it will lessen the symptoms. But fistulas almost never respond to "only" medical treatment alone.
Don't leave this go! Give your doctor a call, at least, and see what they suggest for you.
I agree with the hot sitz baths. Those really help.
Unfortunately, for the most part, treatment of abscesses and fistulas with antibiotics will not make them go away, but if you're having symptoms, sometimes it will lessen the symptoms. But fistulas almost never respond to "only" medical treatment alone.
Don't leave this go! Give your doctor a call, at least, and see what they suggest for you.
Thanks everyone! I ended up going to the ER because it stopped draining and swelled up. It was soooo painful I literally couldn't walk. An ambulance had to take me to the hospital. While I was in the ER it busted on it's own. Talk about relief! The pain immediately went away although it's still tender. It's draining again, but just a little. I'm waiting to hear back from my surgeon to take the next step. I just hope it doesn't close up again between now and then. Thanks again for your advice. 
Be sure to keep soaking it, in the tub, a sitz bath, or even a warm, wet washcloth. This will help keep it open and draining. Do ita minimum of twice a day. Four time a day is better. You can't "over do" this soaking treatment.
Jan
Jan
Thanks Jan, I have been soaking twice a day, but maybe I should up it to four. Still waiting to hear back from the doctor.
If it still hurts, you might need a seton in your fistula tract, to let it calm down. I'm not in love with my seton, but have to admit it's presence has made life better, and stopped that painful cyclical filling and bursting by allowing it the ability to drain continually. I just wear a 2X2 pad tucked next to it, and change it when I use the bathroom or after showers, etc. It drains small amounts of mucus, mostly, sometimes a bit if blood after a BM.
Thanks for the response Rachel. I have had a seton drain put in before. I didn't care for it much either, but I have a feeling that's what's going to happen. At this point I just want the pain and worry to go away, so I'd take a seton drain and like it!