Hi all - I had my fistulotomy 5 days ago.

Question for everyone:
1. Did you use a handheld shower and clean the anal area? I do a bath (in tub) 4 times a day followed by a shower.
2. Do you put gauze actually up in your butt cheek near the anal opening? Or - is it sufficient to just wear a pad or liner?
3. Is it better to sleep on your side or back?
4. When did folks return to exercising?

Thank you!

Hi dat! I haven't had my surgery yet, so I can't answer your questions, but I noticed no one has replied to your post and there doesn't seem to be much activity on this subforum, so I thought I'd reach out. I'd love to hear how you are healing if you are still around!

Handheld shower head and Sitz bath. My wound isn’t deep. I found simply using hot water as Sitz bath to be sufficient. Adding salt is too dry and uncomfortable afterwards.

Gauze near the butt cheek but replace it soooo often. Pad don’t stick on to the wound.

Just sleep.

Hope to get back exercising too but better wait 2 more mornths after complete healing.