i know no one here wants anyone else to have extra problems. i think i tend to take helpful warnings the wrong way. i was actually pretty relived that the CRS said it wasn't a fistula or abcess, but it seemed like all everyone wanted to do was keep telling me it probably is one of those things. that's discouraging, although intended to be helpful.
the CRS did an exam and she poked at the hole w/ the matchstick thing she used to cauterize the wound. she said it didn't sink in at all, which is a good indication it's not a *fistula. i should've mentioned that! i'll bring up the antibiotics thing again when i see her in 3 weeks, just in case.
so far i can't tell how the silver nitrate is working. i stayed home from work again today and just laid around, tried to walk as much as possible. there's small amount of discharge coming from the wound, and the area is swollen - which are both normal symptoms from yesterday's procedure. i called the nurse today just to be sure and he said pain and swelling can be expected for a few days. so i can't measure any progress yet. i've been taking ibuprofen every 6-8 hours. i'll be back at work tomorrow, so hopefully that will go okay. i'll keep everyone posted!