Coping With Fistulotomy

Mine is probably no different then many others who shared this problem of abscess and fistula’s. I just had a bad doctor.

Started back in September 2007, when I woke up in the middle of the night with a cold sweat and fever…worse than a flu. My fever was horrible, but I took 2 advils and was fine in the morning. But I was dealing with so much pain in my anus/rectum. I thought it was hemmroids. So I took prep. H and thought that would help. This pain lasted 3 days until I could no longer take it. As well I was draining from the anus/rectum and was scared.

My husband took me to ER and my fever was sky high and my blood pressure was over the limit. Doc saw me and said that it was a abscess and he would drain it locally. He said it would be no pain and I could go home in a few hours. Well let me tell you, the pain was horrific!!!! The freeze did not take and I felt it ALL. By the time he was done, I could have killed him. He had told me to come and see him in a couple of weeks for a follow. Had home care for the time and I was still in so much pain and was still draining. But this time it was from 2 sides. From my rectum and the insecion. Went to the same doc and he said this was normal.

7 Months later and still draining, my situation got worse, I went to him again and he rushed me to ER, this time he made hole where the abscess was on my bum, and did nothing where my rectum was, (where the connection from one to the other was). The insecion was 3 inch by 3 inch deep. I had home care again and was still in so much pain. I had called him and asked if it was a fistula because I am still draining. He said no, but should be fine in a couple of weeks.

Well, 2 months went by and still I was in so much pain and draining. The home care nurse gave me the name of another doctor who specializes with these situations. I went to see him. and at first glance he said it was a fistula…Thank goodness someone who knew. He told me that he would book me in for a fistulatomy in 3 weeks. I had it and he said that the track was bigger than usual and that it was always a fistula from the start. The first couple of days po-op, was a little uncomfortable, but by the 4th-5th day, I felt great. Really great! I healed well, and was very mobile again. It is now 6 weeks after my surgery and I feel woonderful. I am healed and hopefully will not have to go through that again.

PLEASE - ANYONE who may have to go throught this do a check up on your doc’s. I wish I did, I trusted the first one and had bad vibes from the start. I am so glad I listened to someone else. Good luck to all…Wish I could help more people with this issue.

Thanks for listening.