Hello all,
I am new to this. I recently discovered I have an simple anal fistula. I knew this before the doctors and a CRS specialist in my area missed it. Frustrating. So I went off to Chicago to a excellent CRS. He confirmed what I already knew. He seemed to indicate it was basic, simple. Could see the external opening (as I have been able to) and with anoscope could locate the internal. He indicated it would be quite a simple procedure and was 95% sure it wouldn't be a complex fistula.
Here is my dilemma and would love some support since I feel so alone. I am a 35 yr old healthy female. In grad school and begin clinicals on June 30th in another state on the east coast, then another set of clinicals in NYC (where I will finally reside). The doctor indicated I could probably wait to complete this surgery in NYC until after my clinicals and recommended a colleague who I looked up and is quite well known. He suggested either way (whether I had surgery soon before my clinicals begin June 19th) or whether I wait, to continue with baths, use Neosporin internally and to try and express from the hole to keep it clean and the "stuff" moving so to speak.
I feel so overwhelmed with this on me right before I begin clinicals and have to move shortly. I worry if I wait it will be worse. I am silly and worry b/c the doctor in Chicago is so young about how many procedures he has done. I do have generalized anxiety disorder and recently completed 22 months of intense studying. Its been hell emotionally. I expected to get this break to recover emotionally and prepare for clinicals (study.. ect) and instead I have been researching doctors and getting appointments.
I feel alone b/c I don't know anyone who has dealt with this. I have been so emotionally depleted and dealing with all this has made me feel even worse. I literally feel like I have lost my dignity in some respects.. I know how very ridiculous it sounds, but I suppose I'm so burned out.
My fiancé has been very supportive, but also nervous. He really leans towards me getting it done now and pushing along into clinicals but is aware of how amazingly rushed and stressful it would be.
So I ask you kind people....... your experiences, your emotional feelings... how have you felt? Should I go for it soon rather than wait? My university clinical coordinator is not very people nor accommodating. I would have 11 days basically, maybe a few more if I'm lucky, question is, do I go for it or wait?
I am lost and feel so down.