Well went to the CRS today. Of course, it is feeling a lot better today. That is always how things work for me – by the time I get to the doctor I am better.
I got to have an exam, digit, from him and also the fellow – not fun at all. Always my luck that they have a Resident with them. He wasn’t sure what was going on. It felt swollen but he couldn’t feel an abscess. So he gave me a prescription for Flagyl – the antibiotic from hell. He also mentioned I still have a small “track” in the fissure in the back.
I also asked more about the Crohn’s. Basically told me that he had looked into my gut pretty far during surgery and every thing looked healthy. So he said I could do more testing but nothing would be 100% definitive stating I have Crohn’s. He told me 5% of people have Crohn’s only in the anal area. At surgery they did some testing in the area and everything came back ok.
So in a nutshell he thinks I have Crohn’s impacting my anal area based on his 30 years of clinical experience. He says the meds that treat Crohn’s would cause potentially more grief and complications than my current state.
So to say the least I am somewhat bummed out today. It sounds like this is something I am just going to have to manage – having issues in my anal area forever.

Hey Paul,
How's the antibiotics going?
I hope you are doing better!!

Hi Dawn-
Antibiotic doesn't really seem to be doing much other than wreaking havoc with digestive system. Giving several loose BM's to irritate the area.
The area is still very swollen and I get sharp pain when I touch my buttock in that area. The constant pain I feel all the time has gotten to the point of just a dull ache which is tolerable.
So he told me to follow-up today if not better. So I am tentatively scheduled to go back in today again - he had an opening which is hard to believe. Although I wanted to have the nurse let him know since he may want to do something else other than having me come back in since he alluded to the next step might be the OR. So I am waiting for that call back. Frustrating when even the doctor isn't sure what is going on. My main concern is if indeed I have infection going on not to prolong the potential damage the infection could do to the surrounding tissue.
So the saga continues.....
Thanks for asking.

Paul,
Keep us posted. I'll also share your name with Dwight and try to send healing vibs your way. I can really sense your frustration about your condition!

yes, let us know how the appointment goes...Saying prayers that they figure out whats going on.

As expected he didn't want me to come in again. Straight to the operating room for an exam under anesthesia. So I am scheduled to go in next Friday the 10th. Now my nerves will really be in a bundle. Basically, not knowing what I am going to wake up too - abscess and/or fistula. Plus Fall is my favorite time of the year so hopefully I won't be in to rough of shape. When I had my surgery in January it was below zero with a lot of snow so I didn't mind laying around the house. :)
But I want to address whatever is going on swiftly since something isn't right. I just hope the pain stays on the bearable side until then. Seems like the pain comes and goes.
Cheryl thanks for healing vibes. Dawn, I will be doing a lot of praying before next Friday. I just keep a positive attitude and plow forward hoping for the best.

Paul,
Thanks for the update. These butt issues are really something else, aren't they!!

Well I thought I would post an update on my saga.
Friday- Had an exam under anesthesia. Found an abscess (what I thought he would find) and another fistula. This time installed a drain which I think they call a Seton. I was actually feeling really good afterwards since I rid myself of this infection that was plaguing me for almost 3 weeks. Now the surgeon is more concerned about Crohn’s. He said he took a lot of biopsies to have tested. So we’ll see……
Sunday- The wheels come off the bus. I have a small uneventful bowel movement, the first since surgery, and next thing I know I am dripping blood steadily. The dripping wouldn’t stop! Called the surgeon and told me to go to the ER if it doesn’t stop. So after soaking 3 large maxi pads in short order I was off to the ER. Got there and bled for another hour or two waiting for the surgeon to show up. Surgeon gets there and tried to numb the area up. So about 10 shots in the rear of what I assume was Novocain. That was just awful. They tried to give me something so “I wouldn’t remember” which didn’t work. The surgeon thought it was probably coming from the drain area so he packed that and my whole rear with Silver Nitrate to cauterize the area. So that felt like my rear is on fire - burning. I am now slightly anemic from the amount of blood I lost. They kept taking blood to watch my Hemoglobin dropping. So I am going to start eating iron rich foods to try to help with that.
Today- Rough bowel movements……constipated. Passed clot after clot of blood. It must have been pooling inside also. Was so fearful yesterday never had a complete one. I finally broke down and took some MOM around 9am. That worked in short order. The drain area is still packed with the Silver Nitrate so that is burning like mad. Surgeon said it should dissolve in 3 to 4 days.
After this experience I have a whole new level of terror going into the bathroom.
Anyways, I thought I would give an update. I hope at some point I see a ray of hope with something. I have been getting beat down hard from these butt issues - especially this last year with now 2 surgeries. I just try to keep positive. But it keeps getting harder and harder.

Paul,
We'll keep sending you healing vibs and prayers. And will share this update with my friend Dwight also.
Cheryl

Paul,
I am so sorry.This is awful. I will be saying prayers for you.
I can't believe what you have had to go through...