I have a permanent ileostomy and "barbie butt"... or I had a closed bottom until a hole opened up there because of my period. There is a "hole" in the vaginal wall so that my period flows over into the empty cavity where bowel used to be and comes out of this opening (a 3 inch sinus tract had developed there. I had surgery to remove the sinus?). After my period, it closes back off, mostly, so then there is pressure there and a good bit of pain. Also, if my husband and I have intercourse between periods, when the hole is closed, I get pressure and pain, I guess because the sex gunk crosses over into the cavity and can't get out

My surgeon tried to patch the hole during my last surgery (a surgery to remove the sinus tract), but it obviously didn't work. He thinks that a hysterectomy will fix the problem at this point. I understand that it will fix the problem of menstrual flow crossing over into the cavity since my periods will stop; but won't the "sex gunk" still cross over with intercourse?

What are the other options for dealing with this? I really want to have another baby if at all possible, which I know sounds crazy, but not really. I'm more healthy right now than I've been in years, this vaginal hole aside.

I appreciate any and all input that you may have!!!

Thanks so much!

Sometimes having a sinus cavity patch doesn't work the first time because of the amount of pressure involved, and they actually may need to go in a do a partial or full fistuloscopy with a different type of patching. I'm not an expert by any means, but it doesn't sound like it will resolve on it own, and you are right, if you are having issues with other fluids also, then most likely a hysterectomy will not resolve the problem.
Ultimately, the fistula needs to be repaired.

Have you considred getting a second opnion? It seems like your surgeon doesn't quite understand that it's not just the menstral cycle being affected, that it is affecting your sex life and your overall relationship with your husband also.

Also, many ostomates can get pregnant and carry to term without issues, so no, I don't consider you wanting to have another child crazy at all!

Best of luck,

thanks, Dianne. I went back to my Cleveland Clinic surgeon this week. He worked on the cavity of infection this week, and I go back in 3 weeks for a muscle flap repair of the fistula.

Best of luck Faith!