Perianal abscess --> fistula?

On December 2, 2017 I went to the ER with incredible pain in my rectal area which, long story short, turned out to be a perianal abscess. I have been dealing with an incredible amount stress -- my father had been admitted to hospice the week prior and I have been his caregiver. At the end of December, he passed away.

On December 3, I had an I&D and was sent home to recover on Flagyl & Cipro for 10 days. I ended up with pneumonia presumably from the general anesthesia and was on another antibiotic for 10 days. I was told not to bathe for the healing period, no sitz bath, nothing. I keep the area clean with a perianal squirt bottle and gauze. (I don't have a Crohn's diagnosis but wasn't sure where else to post this.)

I was examined at six weeks out and it looked healed however another two weeks later, a pinhole seemed to appear with pus and blood coming from it. I went back to the original surgeon again today who says there is a "20% chance" of a fistula forming -- which he said when I had been admitted -- but the internet says 50% chance. This is a good emergency room and seemingly good doctor. Not sure why his odds don't match up with my internet researching. In any case, he told me to come back in 4-6 weeks if it is still draining to schedule an OR visit to check for a fistula.

Stats from 12/3/17 on the abscess:

Small 2.1 x 1.6 x 1.8 cm abscess in the medial left gluteal fold. No definite extension to the adjacent sphincter muscles identified. No linear tract visualized to suggest fistula formation. No acute intra-abdominal abnormality.

MY QUESTIONS:

Here are the stats on the surgery. Would you get a second opinion NOW or wait 4-6 weeks?

Is it normal to still be healing this long out after an abscess?

What are the chances a fistula DID form?

Thank you!

ohmydearnyc,

It's been a few days since you posted. I hope you are feeling a bit better.

I am so sorry for all you have been through, especially the loss of your father. I know the panic that comes with the diagnosis of a perianal abscess. I had one about 8 years ago and it was brutal. I don't want to give you false hope, but just some hope. Mine turned out NOT to be a fistula and I DO have Crohn's. I had it drained (the most painful experience in the world) and then took antibiotics and kept it really clean. Thankfully it has never returned.