2 weeks post fistulectomy
Context: 24M Indian
I had an abscess form next to my anal opening 8 months ago and after a point is opened up and started to drain periodically like once in 2 weeks. Consulted a general physician at first and took a course of antibiotics and over the weeks just dealt with the on and off drainage. After a point the opening became bigger and I could feel a sort of tract in that area. I consulted with a surgical gastroenterologist - he saw my scans and reports, and said that a tract was present - low fistula, possibly intersphicteric - and that surgery was needed. He performed a fistulectomy until the origin point of the fistula next to the anal canal, along with laser at the end.
First few days, I slowly started passing stools and was changing the the gauze dressing along with multiple sitz bath everyday. After 1 week the operated area started to look better - the colour became more pinkish red. I had mild discomfort while sitting or standing for long periods. I tried to keep moving around but, I still have to lie down for a good amount of time to finish work on my laptop. Staying with my parents is a huge benefit as I get to relax more and not worry about chores or food.
In the next few days, as I got used to this, i started noticing fecal matter in the operated area. I consulted with my surgeon again, and after inspection he said there could be a opening between the operated area and anal canal, and suggested just changing the dressing and cleaning properly - he said it will finally heal all together and all the opening and operated tissue will close with only some scarring at the end.
Now I'm following his advice and slowly getting through it. Some times it pains a lot and affects my sleep, but later my body gets through the pain and I'm able to focus on other things.
I just wanted to share my experience here, as I have been following the page from the start of my diagnosis. It feels nice to read through others' experiences and I've gained more confidence by seeing how everyone has dealt with it. Hope I can get through it and return to normalcy.
P.S. - sorry if i went into too much descriptive detail about the operation or post-op recovery