to be fed up with my bum? (warning - medical heebie jeebies!!)

[prettybutclumpy]

I am ten days post-op following the insertion of a seton for an anal fistula. Therein lies my first problem - this is a truly disgusting condition, and not easy to talk about with anyone! I have a temporary elastic band running from a large open sore (site of previous abscess), crossing beside my ladybits, into my rectum and along a tunnel (fistula) into my colon and out through my rectum and tied in a knot - yeuch!!)

My surgeon made light of this procedure, and did not alert me to the problems which I've suffered. I can even now only sit on a dining/computer chair for about ten minutes at a time (standing as I type!), experience twinges of pain when I walk, and can hardly walk to the end of the road. I'm also really tired!

I was given a fit note from the hospital for two weeks, which I am really worried won't be enough.

My DH is being v supportive, and doing lots with the DCs and the house, so I know I'm lucky there, but I am just miserable with it...

The biggest thing I'm worried about is that this is only a precursor to more serious surgery in a few weeks' time, which potentially will ruin Christmas!

I know this won't kill me (my dear sis had cancer last year and I appreciate it is NOTHING like that) and won't hopefully go on for ever, but AIBU to have a wee moan to you all?

[propertyNIGHTmareBEFOREXMAS]

You are being very, very brave and it sounds like you having a horrible time. I would be moaning in your shoes! You should not feel at all bad about being fed up with it all

[Flossyfloof]

You poor girl. I have suffered from piles since the age of 21 (now 53) and although I have them pretty well under control now, well remember how very painful they were. Try not to be embarrassed and take it easy. After this, maybe the surgery won't be too bad. And try not to worry too much about Christmas - the day will come and the day will go. Can you go somewhere else for the day, to save you having to cook? Or do Christmas nearer New Year?

[justmyview]

Ah poor you, hope you feel a bit better soon

[mineofuselessinformation]

Sorry to hear you're suffering. Do ask for some better pain relief, but be aware that some can cause constipation so you might need laxatives too. Take as long as you need to recover - if you can't sit or walk comfortably you can't work can you? - and I can't imagine your gp would object to extending your sick leave.

[prettybutclumpy]

Thanks to all for your concern - it has really helped! CrohnicallyLurking I don't have Crohn's, but I know all this sort of stuff is common for pwC, so I feel desperately sorry for anyone with it!

I have upped my painkillers, ordered a rubber ring online and bought Epsom salts for adding to my bath, so feeling a little more in control if nothing else. And have resolved to ask for another week off work if things don't dramatically improve.

Thanks again for your sympathies!

[verytellytubby]

Ouch. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[valiumredhead]

Ouch you poor love

[digerd]

You have my sympathy. I was in hospital having my neck cut open and my Thyroid sub-totally removed and had staples holding the neck together. Had no pain. A young girl in our ward had had a boil removed from her anus and it was agony- like having barbed wire in there she said.
3 of us were walking around looking like Frankenstein's monster and couldn't move our heads, but we were so glad we didn't have what she had done.
Hope you are soon feeling better.

[Letitsnow9]

I know someone who went through similar and had so many ops and admissions for infection, seemed like forever but she is now fully healed, there's light at the end of the tunnel (no pun intended). Horrible for you though, shame our society says you could tell anyone you have switches or surgery in your mouth but not so easy to say to strangers (don't bump into me, I've got bands and switches in my bum)

[ChestyCoffin]

Poor you! My friend has had exactly the same procedure and suffered too
Keep topped up with painkillers.
Am sure GP will extend fit note.

[YellowDinosaur]

You shouldn't be in this much pain from a simple seton insertion. Did you have an abscess drained at the same time? If not I'd call the consultant secretary and ask for them to check things out. I'm a surgical registrar who has just spent a year doing colorectal surgery. Feel free to pm me if you want.

[YellowDinosaur]

And absolutely get the sick note extended by your gp. Doesn't found like you'd be fit to work

[gobbin]

I'm soon to have a seton in my abcess before I'm put on Infliximab and I can't find anyone online saying anything positive about having it done!!

My abcess and I have coexisted since 2006, generally without much issue apart from the initial burst and the odd occasion when it's needed stiff antibiotics. I'm still waiting to be convinced by the surgeon that it's a) strictly necessary and b) not going to leave me worse off than I am now.

Arghh! You have my every sympathy. Get yourself signed off for longer. Health is more important than your job.

[SomethingOnce]

YANBU - if it was me you'd be able to hear me moaning about it from your house.

Get well soon, OP

[prettybutclumpy]

Yellow, I have messaged you - many thanks for your input, and I hope you'll have time to respond.

Gobbin, that sounds horrid. Good luck with whatever happens.

Digerd that's incredible! Although obvs a v serious operation for yourself. Do hope it has been a success.

Everyone else, thanks so much for your support - it means a lot when you can't discuss your nether regions with your friends v easily!