Fistulotomy

[TCME1994]

After dealing this problem, the best advice that anyone can give is to go straight to a colon-rectal surgeon If at all possible, do not allow general surgeons or your family doctor treat you for this condition. My ordeal began in September 2007 and I am now recovering from my second Fistulotomy

After four months of draining, anoscopes, colonoscopies, CT scans, and surgeries, I was finally referred to a great specialist who really saw the full effects of this condition on me. He saw this because he sees patients like me every day. He knew the embarassment, stress, depression and sleeplessness. He knew the pain, discomfortment, Diaper Rash(!), fever and fatigue. I wouldn't go to my mechanic to get him to fix my clogged toilet, yet I let my family doctor and a general surgeon treat me for something they just weren't qualified or experienced enought to do. How I wasted so much time!!

A lot of people are afraid to get a fistula repaired because they are afraid of being incontinent. In the hands of a good surgeon the chances are very minimal. This condition left untreated becomes chronic, and may be part of a bigger health issue. A specialist can explain your chances after examination and seeing the position and extent of infection. I have a few strikes against me already. I am a women so the muscle isn't as dense in the anus as a man, the position of my fistula was in a position that has much thinner muscle tissue, and I've already been cut once. After this second fistulotomy I won't know for sure for a few more weeks if I will have any incontinence.

By the way, there is a difference between "incontinence" and "leakage." After the first fistulotomy, I knew right away that I was still draining pus, even though the general surgeon said he couldn't see any more abscess left. I continued to leak fecal matter as well as pus for two more months. After soft bowl movements, just the act of sitting would cause fecal matter to come out. It wasn't a loss of bowl control like some people picture when they hear "incontinence" but still very upsetting.

I think I've figured out the trick to leaks with this latest surgery. Keep your bowl movements FIRM, not loose. Of couse, it's painful while your recovering from surgery, but I haven't had any leakage for the first time in months since my latest procedure 4 days ago. Adding a bulking supplement (Metamucil) helps. Avoid laxatives and stool softeners. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies and drink lots of water. Tell your doctor about the effects of this condition on all aspects of your life (recreational, sexual, ability to sleep, etc.). I hadn't slept in 3 months because of waking up from the drainage or just worrying. My new doctor prescribed a sleep aid and it did wonders for my piece of mind to be able to sleep.

Bottom Line!! See a qualified, experienced colon-rectal surgeon. You can find one in your area by going to the website for ASCRS (American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons). They have a search under Patient and Consumer Information. That's how I found my specialist. If you're reading this post, I wish you this best. God Bless and Good Luck with your treatment.

[suzyp]

I am so scared! My doctor found a fistula on my bottom (almost by my vagina) and she recommended me to get it removed in less than 2 weeks! It is going to be outpatient, but I am curious as to if I'm going to be put under a local or general anesthesia. I DO NOT want to be awake during the process! I am also worried that I will lose control of my bowels after. I'm only 29! I think I'm in fairly healthy condition, but lately, I've been having sharp cramping pains in my left abdomen. I hope it is not a sign of something serious......I'm so scared of what she may find. She told me she wont know until she cuts and gets in there. What is the percentage of something more serious being wrong with me???

Also, what is the truth of how you will feel after surger? Are you able to go to the bathroom? Are stitches placed where they cut? Please HELP!!!

-So Scared... :(

[msawyer]

First let me second the advise, to a colon surgeon straight away. My general doc had me treating hemmerhoids, why my abscess grew very painful and developned into a fistula.

Pain immediately after surgery was not bad at all. Bottom was completly numb from anestisia (like from dental work).
I had a 1.5 hour ride home that was no problem. Once home I took two percosets every 4 hours for several days, then tapered down from there to tylenol (not ibu).

There was more packing than I understood. At first I thought I had it all removed the next day and some more came out later. After realizing this was not part of me I was greatly releived.

The sitz baths helped a great deal (I used my tub, was easier). Expecially important after, and maybe even before BM.
The first BM came and went with not too much pain. I was really worried about the momemt, but I guess the softeners did their job.

I did have one scary moment with a severe bleed (maybe a pint in a few minutes) after one week. I balled up a wash cloth and sat on in on top a stool for about 1/2 hour and it stopped. Don't know how common this is, but if you start to bleed get some pressure on it quick.

On last piece of advise. On thing that helped me a lot was a rinse bottle. This is sold in drug stores as a sinus rinse with salt packets to mix (a catchup bottle would probably work good too). Fill with warm water and a bit of salt and it works wonders getting you clean after a BM and is really soothing. I just step in the shower for a minute. This came in handy after is was past the many sitz bath phase but still needed some tender care.

Good luck with your progress.