Here's some hugs for you!
Aww, sorry to hear it's a fistula, although not surprised. They say 50% of abcesses turn into a fistula - but has any of us ever had one that
didn't turn into one???
That's wonderful you have a surgeon who you trust - it will truly make all the difference in the world if you know you're in good, capable hands. You got through LIS , and in horrific circumstances, you can get through this too. I won't say it's a walk in the park - you've had LIS, so you know it isn't! But it isn't any worse than LIS. And you will be safe and secure knowing that you will be healing and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
My fistula formed the first time because my fissure had healed wrongly and created a roof over it, so it sounds pretty similar.
At least you'll be under GA! That will make a HUGE difference! Geez, you've been through MUCH worse with your Dr.Death surgery - a fistula is nothing compared to that!
The worst part will be the waiting. I was freaking out all the time that it was making tracks - by the time of the surgery I was convinced that I was going to look like a Swiss cheese inside and be riddled with tracks
but of course, it wasn't. Reading online, people have been dealing with one for years, and not done anything about it!
You know any danger signs to look for.And September isn't too far away, easier said than done, but relax, take it easy, and try to look forward to the surgery and see it as your final step to healing.