Anyone ever had an anal fistula?

[BasinHaircut]

I think I have one. Waiting for the results of FIT test and blood test at the moment before I can get GP to refer me so this is my ‘Dr Google’ diagnosis but I’m fairly sure at this point.

If you have, what was your treatment/recovery like? I’m reading stuff about bowel incontinence and getting a bit worried

Yes healed up with some cream.

Yes, as per previous poster. The doctor just gives you cream which heals the tear. You can buy it over the counter as well.

Hello, yes I have one and currently inbetween surgeries (had 5 surgeries so far and not yet fixed). The posters above are probably talking about Fissures not Fistulas. Fistulas won't be fixed without surgery unfortunately, although many are a result of an infected fissure (I think that's what mine was which turned into an abscess and then fistula)
Most are quite simple and would only require one surgery to fix. Unfortunately mine goes through a lot of muscle, so they are careful as to which surgery they do and has to be done in stages, hence the multiple surgeries unfortunately.
I am part of a Facebook group just for women which has a few thousand of us going through this if you would like the details.

Thank you @namechange4112

If I am diagnosed with one I will take you up on that offer that’s very kind.

Gosh 5 surgeries! Is that so that they can reduce the risk of incontinence by letting each part heal before moving on?

I am a bit concerned about the severity. I’ve been itchy and sore around that area for a few years with no apparent reason, but now an ‘area’ has developed which I am thinking is probably the end of a fistula.