So today, Dr Schraut replaced my seton drain for my perianal fistula. It broke in the office last Monday... the week without it showed me that YES, I need it. The fistula started the drain, fill, burst cycle again, something that had gone away with the drain in. Glad to have my exotic piercing back. 
He also did my second outlet anastamosis dilation. He wants to do one more in about 2 weeks, then teach me self dilation techniques. Everything looked good otherwise, and overall, I've felt "better" recently, with the opening made larger by dilation, and when the seton was in place (sad it broke... but at least I have my new one. Seton #1 was blue... #2 is yellow, haha).
So that's my update for the folks who were talking with me about these issues.
Anyone do self dilations? I did some mild ones this past week with a taper and/or finger, but he might float me a Heger. How often do you do it? Has it kept you open?
Anyone ever have a perianal fistula and have it repaired? I'll have the seton indefinitely, but have read about repairs, though they sound painful. But can I live with this drain indefinitely? I guess the answer is yes... But how inconvenient!
He also did my second outlet anastamosis dilation. He wants to do one more in about 2 weeks, then teach me self dilation techniques. Everything looked good otherwise, and overall, I've felt "better" recently, with the opening made larger by dilation, and when the seton was in place (sad it broke... but at least I have my new one. Seton #1 was blue... #2 is yellow, haha).
So that's my update for the folks who were talking with me about these issues.
Anyone do self dilations? I did some mild ones this past week with a taper and/or finger, but he might float me a Heger. How often do you do it? Has it kept you open?
Anyone ever have a perianal fistula and have it repaired? I'll have the seton indefinitely, but have read about repairs, though they sound painful. But can I live with this drain indefinitely? I guess the answer is yes... But how inconvenient!