Michelle, it sounds like you are out of the US.  My son had a terrible time with abscess and fistulia.  You may want to see someone in Interventional Radiology.  They inserted a drain through his butt cheek.  It was in a really long time and I must say depending on placement, can be painful it hitting a nerve.  The abscess has to be coming from somewhere.  Do they know where?  Something sounds weird to me.  And is there a fistula?  Usually they go together from my understanding.  Perhaps find another doctor too.  They should know how to deal with these issues, it happens frequently.  My son finally got rid of his issues with an experimental procedure in Sept.  it was done in NY.

Thanks Jeffsmom.  I live in Vancouver BC and have access to great surgeons.  I have a follow up in 3 weeks with mine (if I don't end up in hospital again) and will ask regarding a drain or something that would be a permanent fix.

Hope your son continues to do well.

Michelle