Having fistula surgery on Nov 3rd. Fistula basically runs through my perineum and Dr. said he will not know if I will require a seton until he performs the procedure. This is a first for me after having my j-pouch for 12 years so I don't really know what to expect other than what the Dr. told me which if I'm being honest did not sound like much fun. Any advice is welcome. My main concern is how will I be able to go #2 with an open wound right next to my anus. Also curious how long it will take me to be able to sit in an upright position. There are plenty of horror stories out there which unfortunately I have already read so any positive stories are more than welcome. Not looking forward to this in the slightest. Thanks!
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This sounds a lot like my first fistula. My surgeon told me that the EUA she was performing would no doubt end up with a seton placement, as she wouldn't work on a fistula without it first having a chance to drain/heal, and that was the purpose of the seton. Forgive the TMI, but the draining seton (it was not a cutting seton) ran from my anus to the outside of my vaginal opening. The experience was not a bad one - I went to work after the following day. I don't recall any kind of open wound, just very small openings where the seton exited in the two spots "down there". After I got used to the seton being there, I was really not aware of it except during showering or wiping after going to the toilet. I did get a bidet ($25-ish, on Amazon) to hook onto my toilet, which really was helpful as far as keeping everything clean. The seton removed the fill/burst cycle, and I was no longer in pain with the fistula. My experience - I hope yours goes well, also.
Sorry for such a dumb question but, Can I ask how you know you would if you have a fistula?
mine hurt, would get swollen, then drain
I had a drain placed in my fistula as well. It was a bit uncomfortable but it did not get in the way of my life one bit. After about three months, my surgeon removed it and the fistula almost healed completely. An MRI showed that the fistula is still present but not as active before the procedure. I will say, that I'm on Humira and Tinidazole, which has worked wonders getting my pouchitis under control, and thus aiding in the healing of the fistula. The fistula drainage seems to come and go ie. 2 months with no drainage or discomfort, then 2-3 days with mild drainage, then nothing again for awhile. I honestly feel like myself again.
@j-poucher posted:mine hurt, would get swollen, then drain
Thank you. So I would notice it? I think what I have is hemorrhoids from all the straining but sometimes I wonder. Thank you very much for your reply
You will notice it. It almost felt like there was a bone on the other side of the skin, it was solid to the touch rather than soft. If you are concerned, an MRI may be in order.