Help with possible anal fistula? - Bowel Disorders Message Board

mzahn · 10-14-2006, 09:04 PM

Hi!! I am new to the board. I have been having a problem that has been getting worse. I thought that I was getting hemhroids(sorry if I spelled that wrong). It is an outside one and always in the same spot. It would get more and more painful until finally it would burst. There would be some blood mixed in with somewhat clear liquid. Everytime I would get it it would be more painful. The last time it was the worst pain I think I have ever experienced. When it finally burst there was some blood and I believe #2. Throughout all of this I have seen doctors and they always said it was hemhroids. The last time I was referred to I believe a gastro guy. He is a guy that specializes in the rump area. He said he thinks I have a rectal fistula. He gave me a colonoscopy and everything checked out ok. Because my colon was fine he said that I don't have a fistula. He basically is not sure what I have so I should wait until the next one and get back to him. I read up a little on fistulas and they can form from the intestine to the skin too. Is that correct? Would he have noticed that with the colonoscopy? When it burst it sure seemed like a hole or something. I just don't want to experience this again because like I said it gets worse everytime. I can't sleep, walk, etc.. when I have one. Does anyone have a clue what this might be? By the way, I am 38.

RebbieO · 10-20-2006, 05:53 AM

It does sound like a fistula to me. I have had them and they have also been called perianal abscesses. I don't know how you managed to live with them until they burst. I know how painful they can be. It is possible to treat them with antibiotics and is safer to do this, or get them drained surgically, as the infection can get into your blood stream. Next time you feel the signs of one coming, go straight to your doctor. If you can't, take plenty of very hot baths as this may help to ease the pain.

mzahn · 10-20-2006, 02:51 PM

Thanks for your reply! Is there a certain type of doctor I should go to for this?

twisten · 10-21-2006, 06:16 AM

I agree with what RebbieO said. I've had a colo-vaginal fistula and it was not fun. It sounds like yours opens and closes so if it was closed when he did the colonoscopy he wouldn't find it and yes they can form between the bowel and the skin. Is yours closing without any meds or treatments? If so I think that would be odd for a fistula. I believe you are already seeing a gastroenterologist aren't you? That is the right type of doctor for intestinal problems. Good luck with everything.

carolynl19832 · 10-25-2006, 01:56 PM

That is what I had. Always in the same spot b/c the fistula was never treated properly.

For me, these problems started out as a peri-anal abscess (which is an infection in the anal area). Then what happened in the abscess grows little tunnels or "tracts" and (I think) the tunnels have the infection in them and have to be cut open.

I think it must just be an abscess b/c like I said it is an infection. Once the infection goes away, so does the pain. Though I don't see how they just go away on their own w/o antibiotics.

Go see the gastro Dr. like they suggested or go to an colon/rectal specialist/surgeon for a 2nd opinion.