Has anyone heard of anyone having a fistula while having a k-pouch? Kinda freaking out right now!!
Thanks,
Tracey

Fistulae can occur as a result of any surgery, and they can also be associated with Crohn's. I suspect they would treat them the same way regardless though. If you haven't been diagnosed with Crohn's at this point, then it's not likely you would get a definitive diagnosis now..only conjecture.

Just take things one step at a time and find someone whose experienced with them.

Keep us posted!
Lori

Where is your suspected fistula?

Jan

Thanks for responding. I may have jumped the gun a little but I was really freaking out. I noticed some drainage vaginally that was brownish in color and did not look like blood, nor is it time for my period. I immediately assumed something was wrong as I did have recto-vag fistula while I had my j-pouch. I made a call to Gina, Fazio's nurse who was very reassuring and highly doubted the fistula and with further questioning thought it was maybe breakthrough bleeding from being on the pill (old blood). Well, Gina must have been right as I am now showing bright red blood as if I am having my period. Stupid me, I was just sure something was wrong. I was so scared at even the thought of traveling down that fistula road again!! I have never been so happy to have my period--HA HA! Tracey

The reason I asked was because proximity means a lot. A fistula that goes from your K-pouch to your vagina would be one super mondo fistula! And, it would be virtually impossible. Generally, fistulas go to the place of least resistance for relief of local pressure.

However, it would be entirely possible for you to have some residual abscess or similar in the perianal area that could punch through to your vagina, particularly if you had the right history. But, I am glad that you just jumped the gun and it turned out to be nothing.

Jan