Journey to Bangalore for Kshar Sutra treatment

Since my last post, I’ve had my 12 th – 15 th thread change, 3 days apart, and all were painless. The thread is in a place that causes little to no pain which is amazing! The last time I went in to the clinic I thought for sure I would be declared fistula free. Nope. Doc drew a pic for me and explained clearly what he’d done in the procedure, which parts have healed, where it’s sitting etc. Then gave an estimate of another 4-6 weeks and 10 thread changes. Didn’t expect that! Even though I know from experience that this is not always the case, I am mentally preparing myself for that time frame and will make the most of it. As much as I truly love being here and will happily stay as long as is needed, I’m the last person standing from the previous generation of fistula fighters. By months end, a handful of people are returning home in good health, and the remaining handful have all recently been declared fistula free. It’s all happening at once and I am feeling a plethora of emotions...

So…it’s not unusual for the thread to fall out mid-treatment. Not super common but it happens. Mine decided to fall out at some stage annnnd due to the position of my fistula it was too difficult to replace in the consultation rooms. Doc decided an epidural would be wise and booked it in for the next day. I’ve said it so many times – you just cannot predict anything on this wild ride!  I arrived 9.30am and left at 6pm. Doc was able to do an examination at the same time and advised I am about 70% healed. He did some ‘skin welding’ as I call it – I don’t ask questions because I don’t want to know some of the medical specifics for my sanity, all I know is I smelt burning of skin. Eww. He also slightly widened the internal wound so that I would continue to drain and allow for better thread change. I’ve developed some real deal friendships while here, and man oh man did they show their support all the live long day. From the night before the procedure it was determined that I woul...