Today I feel a million time better. Went to work on Tues, managed a half day and came home to die afterwards. Managed a half day yesterday, came home to die again but had to get up and do a Very Expensive Theatre thing last night. Took an Endone to kill the rolling around screaming pain (fissure, abscess and bad period pain all together is NOT nice) and then topped up with Advil and Paracetamol. My bum went numb during the theatre
Turned out to be the best thing ever, because I had a decrease in pain while standing, walking and BM'ing last night and today. I also finished the antibiotics, which means I'm not constantly nauseous, which means I can eat properly, which means I'm altogether heaps stronger. Cautiously optimistic this evening.

I have noticed...something...protruding from my bum today, which is slightly worrying me - but not too much. I figure the CRS will be taking a look in a few days anyway...

Savaici wrote:You don't need to use an actual bath... Invest in a Sitz Bath which fits over the loo. If you are in the US, Rite Aid has the best one. Could not do without mine! Is your abscess still draining and is it giving you pain? 50% of them develop into a fistula, so it is good that you have an appointment to see a CRS soon. ER doctors are notorious for missing these things. That why CRSs get the big money They know what they're looking for.

Oh yeah, dur! I'm not in the US, but I'm pretty sure I'll be able to find one in Australia ;) I live between two major hospitals, so we're spoilt for super well stocked pharmacies. I'm also pretty sure I saw a CRS surgeon in ER - the hospital I went to has a specialist gastro/colorectal surgical unit. When I indicated my pain level to the regular ER surgeons (junior and senior) they said they'd fetch the CRS. Someone (I assume the CRS) came to look at me after that, but given the environment and my pain levels on examination I won't be surprised if they missed....well....everything. Also, I accidentally kicked the CRS in the head while she was examining me, so....haha. Hopefully appt coming up will be a bit more relaxed.

I'm not entirely sure about the abscess. I also managed to get my period this week, so I was a massive and delightful ball of blood and pus and pain with no definable edges. It was like a magical trifecta of horribleness. Anyway, I think the abscess is still draining, but not much and there's no pain.

CallMeMike wrote:...After the 2nd appointment they yelled at me and said "NO, I SAID BATH, NOT SITZ BATH". She seemed to think a sitz bath causes pressure in the area that's trying to heal.

How strange. There's so much research (posted here already) about this being effective. And how awful they yelled at you!

Going to specialist tomorrow. They'll have a magic healing pill, right? Right?!

I'm so tired of not being able to move without pain. In my regular life I barely touch painkillers; this year I've been eating them like lollies.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes

The doc told me to take panadol and run some warm baths.
I cried.

Oh, and the skin tags I've developed make it impossible for any doctors to identify fissures for sure.

After further specialist appts and a delightful colonoscopy today, I've been diagnosed with Crohn's. Guess the fissures pointed towards the bigger picture.

Hi Erin,

So glad you know an answer. Not the easiest news at all, so I am sorry. Sent you a PM last night. Hoping answers begin the healing.