by Ever the Optimist » 29 Oct 2013, 06:20
Hi Carmona,
I would just say hang in there!
It might be hard to see right now but I'm guessing you're possibly through the worst now.
Following your initial surgery with the pain levels you describe & the after effects, I'm not convinced that this was ever carried out properly. It does seem that a new diagnosis of the issue & your second surgery have however put you back on track. One of the biggest issues with Fistula surgery is that a CRS will not always know the extent of the Fistula until they go in to operate and have to then make the decision as to how to surgically proceed at that time. A simple superficial fistula is more easy to deal with but more complicated fistulae can take more procedures to help treat them.
The Seton procedure is very common and people heal very successfully after the procedure - There is just more interaction with the fistula & the internal sphincter muscle in some cases, which is why the Seton is needed to keep the fistula tract open to drain in the area, as cutting poses more of an incontinence risk. When performed correctly, there will always be some post-op discomfort but there should be no real intensity of pain.
The surgery you are facing is not major and has to be done once the Seton is ready to come out. After this however, you will be on track to getting your life back to normal again! (and after a few months, you will feel so much better too) A few months on, you will hopefully be forgetting you were ever hit with this issue!!
There's a few on this site that have had this surgery & experience, so have a good look through the Fistula section & continue to ask any further questions you need to in the meantime........All the very best to you, stay strong & you will be fine!! :)
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