Hi all,

I feel a little relieved to have found this forum and hopefully some comfort in your experiences and stories.

I am an under 30 female with an extremely active lifestyle (I train twice a day, 5 days a week doing CrossFit and Olympic lifting). 5 weeks ago I had a perianal abscess drained. It was so random for me to even have one develop- "bad luck", the doc said. My CRS said 2 weeks before I could start to ease back in to working out. Well, here I am 5 weeks later with only 1 painless day to remember and zero activity besides regular walks.

After the abscess procedure 5 weeks ago, I have had consistent drainage, although never excessive and continually less and less. I have been diligent with sitz baths and proper hygiene. Three days ago, however, the wound site healed over rather quickly and I ended up developing a minor abscess overnight. It spontebeously ruptured the following day. I had my follow-up appointment today and the CRS said this is a sign of a fistula and I am scheduled for surgery in 3 days (Monday).

I am not sure what the surgery will entail as far as the extent of the fistula, whether or not they'll place a seton, etc. My entire life I've been a very private person - regarding my body. I am blessed to have auch a dear and understanding husband to help care for me, but at this point I just feel *extremely* anxious and scared, completely exposed, embarrassed, and am totally dreading Monday.

The doctor said to expect about 2-4 weeks to heal after surgery. Of course in my mind I want to know when I can start training again- realistically.

I guess I'm just looking for words of support, wisdom, etc. Thanks for taking the time to read. I just need to know I'm not the only one who feels this way.

Just read your blog and wanted to respond with my story. Developed anal abscess in Oct. 2016. Drained in emergency room and hospitalized for 3 days. Home care nurse for 2 mos. everyday to pack/unpack abscess. Became a fistula in Dec. Have had a EUA to determine position of fistula & sphincter muscle involvement. Decided on a simple fistulotomy/cutting seton. Had this surgery 2 weeks ago. Still draining. Haven't had to have the cutting seton tightened. Research the various surgeries for fistulas - there are many. I am a 72 year old woman and did not want my sphincter muscle cut so chose the cutting seton option. Be informed before your surgery.