Hi, ladies. I will be going in for a muscle flap repair for a rectovaginal fistula in 3 weeks. What can I expect in terms of time in the hospital, time out of work, and overall pain? Thanks for your help!

Hi

i had a cutaneous flap repair in November- similar to the muscle repair. Was off work 4 weeks, but the post op pain was unbearable for a week or so- doesnt help matters that im allergic to opoid analgesia lol i was in hospital 5 days, had a catheter for 3 days whilst the pain was at its worst. any other questions, PM me xx

Hi,

i was calculating that you should be a week or two out of surgery. I had a muscle flap repaair done for a pouch vaginal fistula back in 2004. I did it in two steps with a temp ileostomy bag. I was out of work for over 6 months. It was LONG recovery and work to regain my muscle tone and walking in my leg. The pain was immense, but it does get better. I am now 6.5 years later with no fistulas to report. The surgery was a godsend to me. I hope everything went well!

I wish my memory served me better on these things. I remember my first thoughts upon waking in recovery as "it feels like I was thrown from a vehicle and skidded to a stop on my butt" Hospital was about 3 days. It took a long time(6 months maybe) for the fistulas to actually close, but they did close! I think it has now been over two years since I had a gracilis muscle graft done and no problems. It was painful but really just the norm with any operation we've all had. There was no sitting allowed because it put too much pressure on the site. A wheelchair cushion for when you finally can sit will be a life saver. Ask for one in the hospital on the off chance they can give you one for free. Are diverted for this repair? I'm not sure how recovery is for a person who is hooked up.

thanks! It took forever to get the surgery scheduled :-( It will be this Thursday. I have a permanent end ostomy, so I don't have to worry about stool passing through. I am a kindergarten teacher. I am hoping that I can get back into the classroom pretty soon. Is this a crazy goal?

I had two done...both for a sphincter repair and first was hell...Very painful...the second (first one failed after 2 years, but that is just me) was less painful, more modern methods, but still...not sure if you should be planning on going back before 6 weeks...you have to be nice to the leg that they took the muscle from...and stay off of it...not over tax it or stress it until you are healed...
So plan on a min of 4-6 weeks...And then a long summer vacation...
Sharon

how long of a "dry spell" does my husband need to plan for with this? Bless his heart, he didn't get any for almost the entire year of 2009 because I had a drain tube in my rectum. Our mantra was "in twenty-ten, we'll have sex again!" I'm sure I'll find out all of these details on Tuesday, but share whatever important things you guys remember about this surgery, please! You are always so helpful with this stuff .

I was way too young to have sex the first time round, and the second it never crossed my mind ...but I would say the same as the healing process + a bit...6-8 weeks unless you are into anal sex and that is a real NO-NO post op...
Be creative....just keep reminding him....closed fistula/open door for sex!
Sharon

Hey there,

I too am a 2nd grade teacher and I can tell you very honestly, I would not plan on returning to the classroom this year. I would definitlely go see you kiddos to let them know you are about them and miss them when you are feeling strong enough. This is a MAJOR surgery and Kindergardners are no joke!! You need to take this time for yourself and your husband to heal correctly. Believe me you don't wnt to jeopardize your surgery.

As for the sex part, I wouldn't plan on any for a goos 6-8 weeks. And that is a generous estimate. Your husband sounds like an amazing and understanding man. I would definitely find some other ways to satisfy him, maybe head to a sex store and find some fun toys?? I have been told that anal sex is absolutely a NO NO for anyone with a j pouch and especially a fistula. I hope this helps! Good luck!!