So sorry that this is happening to you akteacher...I am not so sure that flagyl will do anything for this...each antibiotic is rather specific and I do not think (I could be wrong) that flagy is for abscesses...usually they gave me cipro or stronger but you can try...do you have a fever, is it red around the lump/bump? Are you having flu-like symptoms???
If yes, then you call the doc and inform the secretary that it is urgent or go to your local ER...I don't play around with abscesses...by the way, in some cases you have no choice but to have them opened up or lanced to remove the fluid or puss...it just is. But the sooner the better.
Sharon

Yes, it is very red & it's "weeping" around it. I don't have any flu like symptoms....no fever or chills. This morning it feels like it's gotten bigger, tho. I'm going to call the dr. as soon as the office opens. I'm just scared it might be a hernia or something worse! I really wish this would have happened closer to my visit to see Dr. Remz. Sometimes, I think the only luck I have is bad luck anymore! Thanks for responding!

yes, you need to get to a doctor sooner than later. A lot of people, myself included, do not get fevers and/or flu like symptoms with abscesses.

Have you seen Dr. Remzi before? If you have, you can try contacting his nurse Vicki and see also what she advises.

No, I haven't seen him before. I'm going to call my local dr to see what he can do for me. Hopefully, meds and not lancing! Really afraid it's going to be something worse, tho. Thanks for responding!

Highly doubtful this is a hernia, particularly in light of your history. Lancing an abscess would not make it worse. At the least, it would not help (if done too soon, before it was "ripe"), but it would not make it worse. The problem with waiting for it to "explode" is that there can be damage to surrounding tissue while it makes its way to the surface, but even that is not the end of the world, since it essentially does the same thing as incision and drainage.

The Flagyl may help (it is a broad spectrum antibiotic), but it will not cure an abscess at this stage. It can help keep it from expanding or entering the bloodstream.

Bottom line, I would not wait three weeks to address this. See someone local, but also notify Dr. Remzi about what is going on.

While you wait for treatment, put hot, moist soaks on it for 10-15 minutes, 4-6 times a day.

Good luck!

Jan

I have an appt with a local colo rectal surgeon today. Thanks for responding Jan. your advice ALWAYS helps ease my mind and helps me to stop panicking!! Thanks everyone for your help, too! It is much appreciated!

Finally have some good news! Saw the dr. today& she lanced it & put me on antibiotics. She dug around in there after she numbed me up & said it doesn't look like a fistula or that it connected to anything. Wasn't really sure why it abscessed but if it heals up with no problems I'll be happy! Thank God it wasn't anything major!!

Good news indeed. Keep soaking it, so it can keep draining until it hels from the inside out.

Jan

So, it's been a week & it's still draining & hasn't closed. That can't be a good sign, right? Does this mean the fistula is back to the abdomen, too? Can it just be taking this long to drain/close? Any ideas? I'm heading to Clevelandd next week-end. Have to say I'll be glad to know one way or the other about surgery/ treatment!

It is probably good news and not bad...as long as it keeps draining out and not closing up and forming another abscess then you are in fact healing...sometimes it just takes longer for the zone to empty out and heal...keep it clean and lightly covered with a piece of sterile gauze.
Sharon

Thanks Sharon! Going to the dr. this morning for her to check it. Hopefully, all is well!