by Ever the Optimist » 07 Nov 2012, 15:14
Hi Dex,
Having also suffered an abscess earlier this year that developed a fistula tract, I would advise you just get in as an emergency appointment with a GP, who can advise you one way or another. Mine came on very quickly and I got straight in with my GP, who diagnosed the abscess and immediately prescribed anti-biotics. It burst at home and the fistula developed a week or two after. It's been surgically treated since and all in all, everything was OK. I think the fact it had happened quickly and I sought help quickly played a vital role as the Fistula was very small, superficial and easily treatable. The abscess was to date, the sorest part, but was greatly relieved once it had burst.
It may well be that you don't have an abscess anyway and it could be a pile but best to get your mind at rest asap.
As Rich also says not all abscess' develop into Fistulas, just 50% ish of us unlucky ones!! If it's going to happen, it will, but on the whole, get it sorted quickly and everything is manageable. Nothing for me has been as bad as having to deal with a fissure and the pain it brings. An abscess/ fistula comes nowhere near as bad! Honestly....
Don't scare yourself with some of the horror stories you read. They are in the minority and most of us get through it in the end quite happily!...
Wishing you all the very best and hoping it's not as bad as you think :)
Chronic Fissure diagnosed December 2011
Healed by Diltiazem around Feb 2013
Anal Fistula followed burst abscess in June 2012
2 internal troublesome piles remain & suspected, but undiagnosed, ongoing Levator Ani type symptoms & flare-ups