by Ever the Optimist » 29 Dec 2013, 14:08
Hi Dewlilly,
It's good to read you made it through the surgery and from what I read in your post, makes me feel that everything is pretty much normal still at this stage! The initial smelly pus you had would have been pretty normal and now it seems to have calmed down, it still indicates that all is OK and you are healing as you should.
You would know if you had an infection for sure. As Diamond says, you would also be feeling ill and would be getting more aggravation from the wound area. If in any doubt and for your own peace of mind, if it helps you, get it checked! (if anything more to relax your mind and remove any additional stress there)
People with more complex fistulas do take a while longer to heal than others because there is a substantial amount of pus build-up, which needs to be released. Some older posts on this site, reported up to 9 months of leakage, but also stated it was the very last symptom they got before being fully healed, so it can be totally normal and I really would try to relax the best you can - The fact your wound wasn't packed is good because it is possibly not so deep as others so will heal well.......
Try not to scare yourself about the granulation tissue too. There will be scar tissue in the area because of the healing itself but it's unlikely it should cause you any issues and normally, a fistula will just heal over nicely and not create any further issues. Do not scare yourself over all the net "horror" stories!!! I admit to being the biggest culprit too BUT it really does NOT help in any way!!!......Granulation tissue is normally a deeper red and "rougher" texture, but over time, becomes more of a natural pink colour in time and smooths out, so don't worry about this! Mine went from being pretty raw red and a few weeks on, the wound just filled out and looked pretty much like it always was down there!
Sitting wasn't too much of an issue for me, but bearing in mind I had a less complex procedure than you.....although I did find it pretty uncomfortable getting in and out of a car for a few weeks though! Just take it as easy as you can and in time, you will find sitting should become more comfortable. It's also good to keep moving around too to ensure you are keeping blood flowing to the area to assist your healing.....You will get there in your own time and in the meantime, lay off the net research (!) and just trust that your body is healing well, and in time, this will all be behind you :)
Wishing you all the very best in 2014 :)
Chronic Fissure diagnosed December 2011
Healed by Diltiazem around Feb 2013
Anal Fistula followed burst abscess in June 2012
2 internal troublesome piles remain & suspected, but undiagnosed, ongoing Levator Ani type symptoms & flare-ups