fistula??

Subject: Re: fistula?? April 15th 2008, 10:36 pm

i know no one here wants anyone else to have extra problems. i think i tend to take helpful warnings the wrong way. i was actually pretty relived that the CRS said it wasn't a fistula or abcess, but it seemed like all everyone wanted to do was keep telling me it probably is one of those things. that's discouraging, although intended to be helpful.
the CRS did an exam and she poked at the hole w/ the matchstick thing she used to cauterize the wound. she said it didn't sink in at all, which is a good indication it's not a *fistula. i should've mentioned that! i'll bring up the antibiotics thing again when i see her in 3 weeks, just in case.

so far i can't tell how the silver nitrate is working. i stayed home from work again today and just laid around, tried to walk as much as possible. there's small amount of discharge coming from the wound, and the area is swollen - which are both normal symptoms from yesterday's procedure. i called the nurse today just to be sure and he said pain and swelling can be expected for a few days. so i can't measure any progress yet. i've been taking ibuprofen every 6-8 hours. i'll be back at work tomorrow, so hopefully that will go okay. i'll keep everyone posted!

Subject: Re: fistula?? April 15th 2008, 11:20 pm

hi juney,

i am glad it wasn't a fistula! phew......

i don't remember reading that you had your skin tag removed and that this was in the same exact area....that perhaps may have given some more thought in pointing you in another direction.

my CRS recommends not removing them at all - skin tags that is.

anyway, hang in there with the silver nitrate and just keep tabs on the progress of that drainage and mucus.

did she mention that perhaps using hydrogen peroxide in the meantime to help keep the area disinfected? or perhaps applying some antibacterial ointment?

i am still waiting to hear back from my biopsy on my hand.....yikes!!!!! i hope it isn't a fistula....hehehehehehehe.....well, i know it isn't that....so let's just hope it's not lymphoma.......
_________________
the marathon is on oct 26....just right around the corner.......

yikes!

Subject: Re: fistula?? April 16th 2008, 12:39 am

my ass just hurts. too darn much.

and i like the suggestions that you'll have.

no one but those who suffer from these things understands.

you all do. that's why you are all great people.

Subject: Re: fistula?? April 16th 2008, 3:50 am

Erik, I thought yours was a success story which healed, what on earth happened???

Juney, I hope the silver nitrate works. I wasn't trying to freak you out with my experiences either, but like Fiss, and probably loads of other people, I have had BIG problems with hospitals and doctors with wrong diagnosis and malpractice. I have even sued a hospital for what they did to me.And it took me years to get my son diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder- years of so called "experts" telling me they knew better than I did about my own child. We're just saying to go with your gut instinct rather than take everything they say as true. Just because they told you what you wanted to hear, may not be for the best.
But I truly hope that its not a fistula or abcess, but if it is, then we're all here for you to help you through it.

Subject: Re: fistula?? April 16th 2008, 9:01 am

it was for about 3 months, then a rather large movement and think i retore a bit. not as bad as it used to get but never 100% back to normal.

erik

Subject: Re: fistula?? April 16th 2008, 10:48 am

Sorry to hear that. Doesn't that just bite?
But at least you are starting from a better place.

I am back to lubing my butt before I go. First KY and then A&D ointment. Maybe that would help?
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Subject: Re: fistula?? April 16th 2008, 8:37 pm

lecia, have you used palmer's cocoa butter with vitamin e.

i use to use that prior and post after a good cleaning and blow dry.

also did you try the tinactin cream by any chance? that helps with the itch and burning feeling if you ever get it.
_________________
the marathon is on oct 26....just right around the corner.......

yikes!

Subject: Re: fistula?? April 17th 2008, 10:42 am

No, haven't done that. But would be willing to give it a shot!

Thanks, G-man.
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Subject: Re: fistula?? April 17th 2008, 11:18 am

3 day update - still swollen down there, almost looks like i'd imagine hemmorhoids would. some swollen patches of skin where the removed skin tag had healed over. not pretty. i'm hoping i won't be left w/ a dreaded skin tag(s) again. it's still tender and painful but i'm taking care of that w/ 800 ibuprofen 3x day. still a bit of discharge, sometimes pink tinted w/ a bit of blood. the pain from the exam/nitrate is getting better not worse each day so that's encouraging. being back at work isn't so bad, just feels like it did in the 1st year of the fissure, so i'm used to it and i can manage. at least this time i know it's not from a fissure!!

not too worried or pessimistic yet, just tired of being in pain after doing so well for awhile. hopefully the end will justify the means! keep you all posted

Subject: Re: fistula?? April 17th 2008, 9:06 pm

hugs juney................
_________________
the marathon is on oct 26....just right around the corner.......

yikes!

Subject: Re: fistula?? April 18th 2008, 1:33 am

thanks!

Subject: Re: fistula?? April 18th 2008, 2:37 am

I hope it will subside very soon - you really suffered enough !!! : (

Subject: Re: fistula?? April 18th 2008, 9:21 pm

Juney, Sounds like you're going through hell. I had the experience myself with an abscess drained without anesthetic in emergency room, then months of fistula drainage , then surgery.
Your situation sounds a little different than mine , but continued yellowish drainage is typical of fistula and typically won't heal.
But, having said that - If I were you I would get another opinion from a very qualified CRS . Second opinions really are the smart way to go with unusual things like this.
I wish you good luck and success with this soon.
John

Subject: Re: fistula?? April 21st 2008, 7:17 pm

it's been a week now. still sore, but it's decreased since last monday for sure. when i wake up in the morning i can't even feel it, but after i go it becomes a bit swollen and that same old pain for the rest of the day. not a spasm pain, which i now know is b/c the fissure is pretty much healed. i can still see the little crack or "hole" that the dr saw and that i've always seen. plus, it looks like i have another skin tag forming, a mound of flesh that swells after BM and then goes down as the day goes on.

i'm not sure if the nitrate is making a difference, but she did say it would probably take a few applications. not as much discharge now, just a little here and there. i'm taking ibuprofen every day and basically feel like i'm at the same point i was at after my 1st surgery last year. still keeping up w/ the MOM and just hoping things go back to the way they were last month when i'd almost forgotten about this damn thing.

Subject: Re: fistula?? May 1st 2008, 12:44 pm

i'm sooo dreading the next silver nitrate application, which will be on Monday. but i want to give it another chance. i think if silver nitrate's gonna work to heal this wound, it'll take more than one time. i'm armed w/ questions and stuff to ask the dr on monday.
the pain seems to be decreasing slowly... but that only means i'm getting back to where i was before the last exam, so it's not really encouraging. how could a tiny little wound just not heal?! i'm gonna ask her again to verify that it's not a fistula. and maybe see what she thinks about antibiotics as a precaution...and maybe to encourage healing... now i'm keeping it super clean and dry, using a hair dryer after showers.