Fistula - Seton

When I had my seton in, it stopped the cycle of abscessing/bursting. Occasionally would get discharge that felt weird coming out, but wasn't painful after the seton.

Even with it in, I always had mucus discharge.

It's out now, and we are trying a biologic to see if it'll close on it. The Medrol taper helped the most, it felt absolutely normal, so I had my seton removed, and had two wonderful weeks. Now, I'm on the fence and it's vacillating daily. Might have a few good days, then a not so great one. Nothing like how it first presented, thankfully, but not like those 2 glorious weeks!

Have her soak in a Sitz bath, very warm to nearly hot, with some Epsom salts, or a hot bath. Even a very warm washcloth held to the site can encourage drainage, and can be soothing. I love my Sitz bath and use it often. The dermatologist told me to add a tbsp or so of bleach to it, too, to discourage bacteria, or 1/4-1/2 cup in an occasional bath to do the same thing (not every one).

Thanks for your response. She was on remicade for 5 years but built anti body which explains why abscess and fistula. After her fever goes down, she'll start with humira and 6mp. The discharge is coming through her fistula and the rectum. The pressure/cramping is horrible when there is rectal discharge. Did this happen to you with your fistula? This pressure cramping and rectal incontinence is really taking its toll. Any input from anyone will be helpful. Thank you.

No. Mine was much less intense than that, though it was NOT comfortable, and before the seton was in it hurt a lot more. The seton was in for 19 months, so the tract is more mature now. I never had discharge from the anus, only out of the fistula itself, which sits right on the anal area.

Poor girl, I hope the next meds help her.