Recently had fistula surgery, is it OK to get pregnant?

[Whitefox]

I'm nervous about posting this, but here goes!

In 2016, I had an abscess that turned into a fistula. This is nothing pregnancy related as I've not had any children yet, but it just came out of nowhere. I don't have chrons either...as far as I'm aware.

Long story short, I had surgery on it to lay it open and allow it to heal but it's been a year and has only partially healed. Symptoms wise, it's very manageable (albeit a gross subject) and doesn't really affect my quality of life too much.

My colorectal surgeon has suggested that I can leave it, or have surgery again, but the thing is, I really want to start a family as I've hit 30 this year and that was when I wanted to start trying...and the wait in the NHS has already seen this whole thing drag out almost 2 years.

My question is: is it OK to get pregnant with a fistula (I know many women have mentioned having them form after labour), and if so, I'm terrified of labour making me incontinent due to my tissue and muscles already being damaged from the fistula and surgery itself.

Are there any people in hear than can advise me if pregnancy and labour is OK with this pain the butt? (sorry, needed to insert some humour because this is so embarrassing to post!)

Xx

I really think you need to ask this question of your colorectal surgeon. I don't think anyone here will be qualified to comment on your specific situation.

Good luck - it sounds like you've been through the mill

Yep, it's been an emotional rollercoaster that I simply wasn't expecting. I was such a closed person before this experience, but it has taught me to forget the stigma and just lean on the people I know love me. Oh, and ask for advice and help!

I've got an appointment booked for August with my Crs, earliest I can get 😭 and getting my coil removed tonight...naturally I wanting to start trying to conceive ASAP but just a bit tentative...and not sure I can wait a few months to find out an answer.

Thank you for replying 😊 x

Hi, I didn't want to read and run. I had an abscess that turned into a fistula after the birth of my DS, you have my absolute sympathy, they're such a horrid thing to deal with and I'm so sorry you've had to go through this. Touch wood mine is healed now but it's a horrific experience I will never forget.

As the PP said, there are so many factors involved I think only your CRS can answer your question as they know your specific
medical situation. Are you able to call their office and ask to speak to them over the phone? My CRS was so supportive and told me if I ever had any questions they were happy for me to call.

I started a thread when I had my fistula called something along the lines of 'seton stitch support', that thread is still intermittently active with some posters you so might want to look it up, I think recently someone posted a link to a fistula support group on Facebook that you might also find helpful? But I think the key thing is you need to speak to your CRS about your individual situation, good luck

Ring the hospital and ask to speak to a colorectal nurse specialist. If no luck there call your consultants secretary and ask for them to call you back or write to you.

I am sorry that you have had such a difficult time but I really don't think this is the right place to ask your question, only a medical professional who knows your individual circumstances can answer this.