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Fistula Bleeding A Lot

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Crohn's Disease
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theconvalescent
New Member
Joined : Feb 2017
Posts : 8
Posted 7/26/2017 10:45 PM (GMT -7)
So, hey guys, thanks for reading this. I've actually posted a topic here before about constant itching around my peri(anal? rectal?) fistula:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=17&m=3786639

I only wish that was still my problem, strangely enough? I had a steroid cream from the doctor for a couple weeks that seemed to take care of the itching in that area. And have just been trying to keep extra clean (showers/baths/wipes) ever since, and the itching (at least for right now) no longer seems to be a problem.

What I am dealing with right now is bleeding from my fistula. Now, as a refresher to my story, I had a perianal abscess in 2009, drained in surgery that year and "healed," then found out in 2013 it became the fistula. Since that time, the fistula itself actually (somewhat) "RARELY" gave me problems. If I wiped too hard/too much or something it might bleed a little or feel bad, but I was able to sorta carry on normally. I've never had any surgery cuz I was too scared of being incontinent or something. To my knowledge, I do not have Chrohn's (never diagnosed with it).

But now I am getting blood all the time. Actually, when I took someones recommendation on the "itching" problem from my other post, to keep gauze or tissue on the area to prevent drainage from seeping along my skin -- I tried that for 24 hours, and it GUSHED blood. I have no idea why. Before and after that, though, I am getting way more blood than I used to upon bowel movements. It's day to day, but it used to never be like that. For the past 2-3 days now I am constantly having bright red blood (not a "LOT" but like WAY more than I was ever used to) on bowel movements.

What did I do wrong? Why have I angered my fistula so? I obviously have to schedule with a colorectal surgeon to take a look at it, I have to find a new one where I currently live. But any ideas? I sat in the hot bath this past evening for 20-30 min. after a bowel movement, but late tonight, I still am getting that red blood on the toilet paper.

Just looking for ANY insight or guidance. Now that it's suddenly bleeding a lot more, and the frequency seems to be totally ramping up, I am super worried that my fistula has turned into like cancer or something like that? Even back in the day when I would "anger" it, it would eventually get "better" (i.e. I wouldn't have to pay attention to it) after a few days/week of baths and stuff. I dunno. I need help. Thanks guys.
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Labradorite
Veteran Member
Joined : Sep 2009
Posts : 1332
Posted 7/26/2017 11:46 PM (GMT -7)
Wow, I am sorry, I actually think that was my advice but i don't think that would have caused the to happen. I don't think you did anything wrong. It may be that the skin is very fragile but still that doesn't make sense. I don't remember that happening to me other than when the fistula was really active but that is because of the crohns was really active. you really need to be rechecked for crohns right away because I don't think that sounds right. I had similar periods where it would calm down and flare up. The best thing you can do is see a doctor right away. if its crohns then the fistula could be progressing. Its not cancer but if its crohns it will just keep tunneling and breaking down the tissue and leaving you open to infection. when mine got worse it would start opening new holes near the original one as it tunneled further along. horrible experience
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theconvalescent
New Member
Joined : Feb 2017
Posts : 8
Posted 7/26/2017 11:51 PM (GMT -7)
Wow, really?? Thanks for the reply. What are the other symptoms of Crohn's? I just always remember being told I didn't actually have it but somehow get the abscess and which became the fistula anyway. If you think the bleeding could be coming through the fistula from itself forming new tracts inside? That's a scary thought. Would that cause blood? I just keep trying to think what would start the occurence of way more blood after so many years with it kinda "dormant." I dunno. I get so worried that it's turned into anal cancer or something?!

Post Edited (theconvalescent) : 7/27/2017 12:54:49 AM (GMT-6)

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Labradorite
Veteran Member
Joined : Sep 2009
Posts : 1332
Posted 7/27/2017 12:43 AM (GMT -7)
Yeah, I mean, I'm not a doctor but it shouldn't be bleeding after All that time. You need to be evaluated asap. Have you had a colonoscopy? What tests did they do to say you don't have crohns? Do you have pain with it? There are people who have them with out having crohns but they usually heal. With Crohn's disease the inflammation causes it to never heal and continue breaking down the skin. I had mine for 3 years before I started humira and it eventually healed but in that time it slowly made new holes near by and worked its way up towards my tailbone. I would have times when it was more active and it would bleed quite a bit because it was breaking through the blood vessels. Do you feel it's coming from inside the fistula or the skin around it? I really don't think it's anal cancer, though I'm not familiar with how that presents itself but please don't let it go, get to a doctor!
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U B Tough
Veteran Member
Joined : Aug 2015
Posts : 1114
Posted 7/27/2017 6:01 AM (GMT -7)
My fistulas bleed at times. I use tea tree oil (diluted with coconut oil) to keep it clean. Or I try. Been a year.....

Regarding itching....you could try wiping the peri anal area with apple cider vinegar. It really helps.
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JaSanne
Veteran Member
Joined : Oct 2006
Posts : 2086
Posted 7/27/2017 9:27 AM (GMT -7)
I've never experienced bleeding from my fistula other than maybe weeping early on. I'm wondering if you have an internal hemorrhoid that's bleeding and coming through the fistula. Hemorrhoid blood is usually bright red. For what it's worth, my fistula healed up but remained open and hasn't continued to tunnel, though I may be in the minority on that happening. It mainly is a source of embarrassment since I can't control gas going through it.

You should probably see your doctor to see whether it's a bleeding hemorrhoid or something more serious.
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theconvalescent
New Member
Joined : Feb 2017
Posts : 8
Posted 7/27/2017 10:08 AM (GMT -7)
Well thanks everyone for your suggestions. After calling around to docs today, I did schedule an appointment in early September with a GI doctor. This is who I should see to possibly diagnose Crohn's, correct? That was the earliest they could get me in.

I also called the Surgery practice of the two Colon & Rectal Surgery specialists near me who I could possibly see. They wouldn't do anything with me without a referral from another doctor. Funny, when I lived in Arizona, I saw a couple different colorectal surgery specialists just by calling up and making an appt. directly. Seems odd to me.

Regardless, I guess the GI doc is who I should see first, yes? To figure out possible Crohn's or what not? My experience is simply just consulting with a colorectal surgeon every now and then, ever since I've had this, just to simply be like "What do you think?" and kinda put my mind at ease. Have actually never been to a GI doc.

Yeah. Just worried. GI appt. far out and C&R Surg. docs won't seem me without referral. I know they do good but dear lord I ****ing hate doctors? lol
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scifigal2k
Veteran Member
Joined : May 2012
Posts : 3586
Posted 7/27/2017 10:29 AM (GMT -7)
I hardly ever have bleeding from mine, even when it was new. Yes, a GI is who you want to see. Do you have a PCP? Have your PCP do the referral. Another option is the ER, then they might call in the CR specialist to see you there.
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Labradorite
Veteran Member
Joined : Sep 2009
Posts : 1332
Posted 7/28/2017 8:41 AM (GMT -7)
You need to get to a doctor before then. I agree with scifigal, you need to see a primary care doctor and they should give you an urgent referral. if not go to the ER. You need to see a GI and make sure this is not getting worse.
Not all doctors are bad, I blame the really crappy system instead that makes it difficult for everyone (has your insurance changed? some insurances cause the need for referrals). I used to dislike most of them but it makes a world of difference when you find the right ones. I have been to so many over the years but only just recently found an amazing group of them. So if you are not happy keep looking until you find the right ones
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JaSanne
Veteran Member
Joined : Oct 2006
Posts : 2086
Posted 7/28/2017 12:12 PM (GMT -7)
Ditto the primary care physician - he/she could rule out hemorrhoids possibly causing the bleeding and give your the referral you need.
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