Perianal Abcess and Fistula (possible Crohns)
Hi all. First time poster.
I've unfortunately had on and offer perianal abcesses and fistula for 12 months.
Getting tested for Crohns in 2 weeks.
The latest episode was a fistula getting operated on about 3 months ago.
The wound hasn't healed and it has been infected twice.
I'm back on antibiotics to clear infection (it did last time, all for a month)
I use sitz bath 3 times a day.
Some surgeons say the drainage after 3 or 4 months is normal.
Some say it isn't.
Thoughts?
I am so sorry you are dealing with a fistula. They are so painful and hard to endure. I have not had a fistula so I can't really offer advice but I just wanted to reach out and say that you have been heard and I know soon others will chime in. Stay strong. Hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
Hi
. I can honestly say "I know how you feel". I had perianal disease with fissures, fistulas and abscesses for 30 years before getting an ostomy and having my rectum removed in late 2020.
I had many operations for either lancing, adding with a seton or cutting it wide open and letting it heal. It is very frustrating at how long some of them took to heal over but yes, in my experience, sometimes it can take months because it has to heal from the inside out and if the inside is not healthy, it won't heal. It depends on how deep the infection goes. I too was taking sitz baths every day but I added Epsom salts to try and speed up the healing. I'm not sure if you use those but you might want to give it a try.
I know taking antibiotics are bothersome but at times I was glad to take them. Maybe there are different antibiotics to try, not sure which ones you are on.
In my experience, it's better for it to take months to heal properly than to have it heal over quickly and reabscess.
Hopefully, things work out well.
Let us know how you get on.
Vern - Crohns/IBD Team MemberThanks Vern.
Started antibiodix again yesterday.
Amoxcillin or Amoxiclav it is.
Yes I use Epsom salts 3 times a day.
90% heals afyer draining for months then re opens and the whole process starts again.Yes that happened to me several times. It's difficult because of the location. Any bending or sitting will open it if it hasn't healed properly. When I had my rectum removed, it took almost 5 months to heal to the point where it wouldn't re-open. Maybe discuss with your doctor about trying a biologic.
Like I said, I feel your pain, it's very frustrating. You almost have to just stay in bed until it completely heals, but that's not possible nowadays.
Stay strong
-Vern Team member
