Welcome pita-girl. You have found a wonderful support network here. I am over a year out from my simple fistula surgery and still come here for the wonderful support and humans connected to this forum.
I am sure you will feel better once you see a specialist. The worry before often is much worse to deal with!
Many people's experiences with fistulas are different, what lead up to them and symptoms. Mine is outlined in the diary section of this forum. It turned out to be much less scary than I thought too and I deal with an anxiety disorder. I never had an abscess and none of the colorectal specialists I saw believed my symptoms matched Crohn's or colitis, so I was not tested.
My fistula presented with the "pus" like discharge. And there was a pinhole near my anus. I honestly thought it was hemorrhoids at 1st since that is what a GP and the 1 CRS believed. I was pretty confident mine was a fistula after some research and when my fiance called the CRS again to tell him what he was seeing (pinhole and pus), he confirmed it likely was. I booked a 2nd opinion and it was confirmed.
Since you have been in pain with a rectal exam before be sure to let the doctor know. They know it's not comfortable and some doctors simply aren't the best at it. CRS do this everyday so they will be sure to keep you comfortable as possible. Try not to stress TOO much about whether it is or isn't a fistula. No matter what, they deal with this weekly if not daily and will be able to get you some clarity and feeling better, I promise. It gets better! Worry can cause you to tighten up, so be sure to rest, get baths in, take time for yourself, eat well, lots of water and reach out to others. You are not alone here and can share or ask whatever you need. Feel free to PM me if you need another 30 something year old woman to vent to if you have rough moments and don't know what to ask or say here. Just KNOW people are here and the great thing is, we as a group are used to all this bum, poo and all sorts of TMI chatter, so welcome and hang in there!
