Recovery during the first year of fistula freedom

Somehow, it’s been one year since my fistula free moment! One year!? 

I thought it would be a good idea to do an entry about the recovery process so others can get an idea of the sorts of things that might come your way after undergoing KS.

When I finished treatment I did not have to do any follow up wound care myself, other than keeping the area clean. This required extra care as the wound is creased and can take more time to clean. As the scar tissue beneath heals, the wound is kind of filling out and the creases are less. I don’t know how much more that will change considering it’s been a year, but will observe again when I hit the 2 year fistula free mark.

I was also advised that the muscles in the area were weak and to do clenching exercises to assist in eliminating gas incontinence. I admit I wasn’t super strict with these exercises so I probably took longer to strengthen the area than I could have. I’d say I had an awkward 4-5 months where I had to be careful not to cough suddenly or laugh too hard in public places! Especially as the wound site was large and soft so it created almost like an echo chamber (lol). A year on, the wound is filling out and it’s all under control now with only a sporadic accidental escape of gas (again my fault for not exercising enough!)

I’ve had times where I felt some sort of glitch or pang in the area, as well as an occasional ache at the external wound site. Thankfully I understand that this is all a normal part of the healing process. In fact, I would say the most aching I’ve had came from my normal muscles that are used when sitting – they were not used to being activated!

Healing from a fistula is a very long process. It’s crazy.

Yes it can be a long treatment, but it was a long process recovering from the surgeries I had back home, KS is no different comparatively in respect to recovery time. And I was more than happy to let it take as long as it needed because I knew it was the last step of my fistula journey and I knew I had to do it right. I embraced the experience because I knew how lucky I was. Something many struggle with.

Sadly there are many fistula fighters out there who want to go to India for this treatment but can't do so for whatever reason – financial, employment, family commitments. To them I say I’m sorry that you have to continue to live with the horrible thing and may you one day find a way to go on the weirdest journey of your life and feel the joyfulness fistula freedom brings. There are many out there to talk to for support – more than you realise.

I know many don’t want to talk about it cause it’s a butt problem, but we are adults and should not have any shame around it. In fact, talking about it will help others (I remember the relief and cry I had when I found the Facebook support group), and perhaps lead some to journey to India. I would love to see a future community of Aussie fistula fighters coming and going and staying at the same accommodation/hotel like I did and have the other patients there for support. That support is beyond words. Incredibly meaningful. Needed. Oh how I miss them so.

Life has been intensely challenging for me since my return in June 2023. Many huge changes, and I’m still trying to find my way even after all this time. The fistula shook things up for me majorly, but I am still deeply grateful that the horrible thing took me on a fabulous adventure to a spectacular place where I met so many special people.