Hello,

So glad this forum exists. I've been lurking as a guest for a few years reading about fissures- I've had them on and off for years. However, about 6 months ago things changed, I'd had a bad fissure which didn't seem to want to heal but then a lump started and also I started getting a pus-like discharge (sorry, I hope nobody is eating) and some soreness but no pain. Oddly, the fissue seemed to get better (no pain on going to the toilet or bleeding) but the lump and the weeping stayed.
I assumed it was just part and parcel of the fissure so carried on with sitz baths, trying different creams etc.

I finally went to the doctors today about it as it hasn't changed and has no intention of healing it would seem, plus the soreness and weeping was really getting to me. I was surprised when she said she thought it might be a fistula- I'd read about these before but they seem to be usually associated with an abscess- I thought. I don't recall having an abscess ever so now I am panicking over why I might have a fistula- I did the silly thing and googled it and there are references to cancer which is now scaring me and making me feel stupid that I have waited so long to see the doctor.

I am getting an appointment with a surgeon to do an examination but this could be months away and I might go mad with worrying in the meantime. Has anyone got any reassurance please- or just send rational thoughts! Can fistulas be caused by other things than abcesses? I did have a traumatic childbirth but that was 7 years ago now so I'm not sure it could be related to that.

Many thanks

Hi there, it's normal to feel anxiety about troubling medical symptoms. After all we are designed for self preservation. But obsessing over it is not helpful at all. I suggest that you explain to the surgeon's office that you have an urgent concern, or better yet, have your primary care doctor send an urgent referral to them. Doctors often have appointments available for patients who need to be seen quickly, it's just a matter of finding out how to get those appointments.

I don't know anything about fistulas so I can't give you any medical input, but would advise you to stop looking things up on Google until you get a specialist's opinion.

Hi, thank you for your reply, it's much appreciated. I wish I could be more rational about things but my mind just loves to get carried away so thank you for the suggestions.
I'll give my doctor a call and see if they can get the process sped up- I really don't need anything to make my anxiety worse as it's just going to set off my IBS again which I have got under control recently. I wish life was more plain sailing!
Thanks again :-)

I have the same issue with IBS that gets aggravated by anxiety. Lexapro has helped a ton to get my health anxiety under control (not suggesting it, just sharing my experience). Therapy helps with it as well.

I hope your doctor can help out with being seen sooner. Do let us know how things go.

Hello, just a quick update. Finally I got to see the surgeon last week- I've been messed about for months for when I could get an appointment but at last the day came! He had a look and said yes it's a fistula and I'll need surgery which hopefully should be in about 6 to 8 weeks, if they are not cancelling routine operations by then due to coronavirus!
At least though I know finally what it actually is, and am trying not to worry too much.