Hi Everyone,

I finally don't have anymore stitches in my butt. The last one broke away today after seven weeks. One of the stitches broke away very early on--within the first ten days. When I went down to the Cleveland Clinic in Weston to have my staples removed, both the ET nurse and surgeon saw that there was a small hole and didn't seem too concerned about it. I decided to take a look down there today and what I have there is two tiny holes from the other stitches and one hole (with some tissue inside) that's larger--about 1/4 inch. It kind of scared me a little. I had been using either an ARD pad or piece of gauze up there all this time because I had a bit of mucous coming out, but no puss, and once in a while just a hint of blood.

My questions are:

Do I need to be concerned about this hole?
Will I need to return to the surgeon to get a stitch?
Do I stop packing it and use the bidet to keep it clean?
Do I keep packing it?
Will it fill in on its own (from the inside out)?
Has anyone else experienced this?
How long did it take to close up?

Thanks a whole bunch,

Caty

I would not be too concerned about this. It shouldn't need packing, just keep it clean. Get concerned if it becomes swollen, red, painful, hot, and/or you develop a fever. Should heal up in a few weeks, but could be a month or more.

I would not expect the surgeon to stitch it. Once there is an open wound for more than a day at the most, they cannot stitch it up and it has to heal from the inside out.

Jan

Thanks Jan. That's how I was leaning; I wasn't too concerned about it. It's not giving me any problems. I will give it more time and keep it clean.

Caty

After my second vaginal surgery to remove a bartholin cyst, I woke up the next morning to a gaping hole. The stitches had dissolved OVERNIGHT. It scared the life out of me. I went to the ER and they just told me there was nothing they could do, I just had to clean it every time I went to the bathroom. They also put me on antibotics to ward off infection. It healed open, so I still have a hole that can fit a pinkey finger in. Kind of weird, if you ask me.

HI Caty,

Barbie Butt has resolved itselft easily in my case, and without much pain or discharge. My bottom looked like a mad baker had taken his razor to the top of a loaf - looked like that for about 3 weeks. Now it's all settled down and healed nicely, though it's sort of multi-hued - anal tissue is a different color from the skin tissue!

When Ihad the first continent ostomy, I had a stitch open up, creating a cavity, but it did not need packing. I irrigated it to keep it clean and it did heal, eventually rising to the level of the surrounding skin, though it looked like it would remain submerged for months.

Good luck with it. Otherwise how are you feeling?

I'm finally resuming some normal activities, but still have the manic/jittery prednisone stuff. Still, life is immeasurably better now.

Best,

Barbara

Barbara,

Thanks for responding to my post. It's reassuring to hear that the area will fill in eventually. I have to keep asking my hubby to take a look down there every few days because I can't see the area well enough. My husband tells me that it is slowly filling in. I figure this could take a few months. It's a slow process but I'm sure it will all work out.

I'm doing great. I'm still working on standing up straight but the scar line that starts at the sternum is really tight. I plan to go back to work part time on September 24th. That will be week ten.

This whole ordeal has really been pretty great! The surgeon did an excellent job and I surprised myself and bounced back appetite-wise right away. I'm so happy that I made the decision at this time in my life to get the permanent ileostomy. It's truly remarkable that I'm feeling this good!

Caty

HI Caty,

I'm so glad to hear you're feeling better and eating well - on your behalf, and because it's encouraging to all of us who have had or are contemplating permanent ileostomy after so much investment in our J's.

I find I still protect the incicsion by leaning or stooping forwarward somewhat, whereas I've always had very erect posture before. As you point out, the incision is long, and mine is still kind of tender, not really sore, at 6 weeks out. Feels like there is still swelling of the underlying tissues running parallel to the incision, just a bit tense and tight. I went to my first very gentle pilates class today, and that helped release both the front and the back muscles. I'll definitely continue with that. It's taught by a woman in her early 50's who really knows anatomy, is very careful and cautious, and who works with people with disk and joint injuries and well as post-surgical patients.

I've returned to playing/studying the folk harp, a small, portable harp whose playing causes healing vibrations in the chest (sounds lovely whether it works or not!). The class is a benefit for those of us in the community who have either had ca or taken care of someone with it.

I'm eating, too - the stimulation of prednisone, and everything in sight. Isn't it wonderful to be free of the hours in the toilet, the fear of leaking, the small frequent meals and then frequent poops, not to speak of the pain and disruption. I had a massage today, and though it was with a dear friend, it just didn't matter a whit to me to be nekkid with my little brown non-rustling bag hanging off the waist! Indeed life is NOT all about s**t!

And of stitches, finally at 6 weeks out, the stoma stitches have disappear, a convex light wafer works fine, and I am more comfortable with my appliance and clothes that are detailed not to highlight the belly where the bag hangs down. It's all fine.

Barbara

I'm so happy to read about you gals and how very well you're both doing. You both really deserve to have happy, carefree, food-filled, calm, bathroom-free lives. This is such great news!!!!

kathy

Kathy,

Thanks. You're always so kind and supportive and always give us gals so much encouragement. I hope we get to meet one day.

Barb,

I'm glad you're doing so well. It's all so wonderful, isn't it? I keep pinching myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. Speaking of music, I play Native American flute. I played flute in the school band (a long time ago) and recently fell in love with the sound of the Native American flute. I bought a couple and started playing on my own about a year ago and love it. I notice that it helps me in many ways with my breathing. I have good, strong lung capacity. I hope we get to meet someday too

Be well,

Caty

Well then come on out to California. We'll do lunch, meditate, and sit in the hottub.

kathy