Ok, I am 7 months out from 1-step surgery. I thought I was doing great until about a week ago. Then I thought I might be getting cuffitis ... lots of butt burn pain and pain just inside the anus. I was using proctofoam; it seemed to be helping. A few days ago I started getting some intermittent vaginal discharge, mostly clear pink. But tonight, when I went to the bathroom, my bm was very watery and the next thing I know it is coming from my vagina. Obviously, I will call my doctor in the morning. But in the mean time I am devastated and crying and typing.. Is there a chance I could be wrong and this is something else? I've searched and read posts ... I am so upset. How do they typically diagnose this?

Aww, I'm sorry you are feeling bummed, I know how you feel.
If it is definitely BM coming from your vaginia, it is very likely a vaginal fistula. Mine showed itself at about 5-6 months, after my 2nd operation.
They are most easily diagnosed based on symptoms alone but can also be seen by your surgeon. I would start there.
Good luck, there are a lot of us around here who are going through the same problem.

Hi and I just wanted to say I am so sorry, like Shelby I know how you feel. You are not alone. I had a complicated recto-vag fistula and have recently had my doctor report it is closed. I had quite a few attempts at repair but my last seemed to do the trick. I am dealing with some other issues now but just wanted to let you know they can be repaired.
Good luck and we are here for you.

Thank you both for your supportive words. I have an appointment with my surgeon this afternoon. I've calmed down a little and will just attempt to deal with what comes as possitively as possible. Thanks again ...

I, too, am part of the fistula club and wish you the best. I live in fear that mine will open up again one day. But I'll emphasize what others have said, they can be repaired and my repair has held out for eight years without opening up. Please keep us posted and feel free to vent anytime. Also PM me if you want to talk further.
Lori

I just wanted to re-iterate what everyone else said...these R/V fistulas are the worst but you are not alone. I too am a part of the Fistula Club. I remember when mine first reared its ugly head (last Aug) I would also be typing and crying on this board. I cried everytime I went to the bathroom but people here helped me through. They can be fixed, you need to talk to the doctors about the best treatment for you. I am currently on Remicade and 6MP and it seems to be working for now. I wish you the best and feel free to vent anytime. Let us know if we can do anyting.

Kim

Hi Charm,

I am sorry to hear you have hit a rough patch..you have had a great 7 months!
I can't offer any advice, as you know, I still have my ileo..but I wanted to let you know I am thinking of you as you find the best treatment for you. Keep us posted..
Take good care,
Andrea

Thanks for your kind words, Andrea. This site is such a God send. Everyone's support helps tremendously. Lori, talking to you on the phone was a great help. As for my on-going saga, the doc was unable to feel or see a fistula, but said my symptoms were classic for an abcess that opened and formed a fistula. I am on Canasa suppositories to see if calming things down will encourge things to heal. I go back to the doc next Thursday. If my pain and symptoms do not improve, he will sedate me and do a more thorough exam. So there's a plan, I'll keep trying to be positive and not focus on the pain or the gross factor. In the mean time, any suggestions for pain control and cleanliness are welcome!

Charm--I too had a Vaginal Fistula with stool coming out (about 6 years ago). However, I did nothing but fast on clear liquids for 2 weeks to rest my J-Pouch. It healed itself. I know it was radical but it worked. If you don't want to do the surgery route, this may be the answer. Take care and write if you need more info. CahillandDelene@aol.com

Charlene,
I'm glad you have a plan in action. Just take it one day at a time and hopefully you'll see some marked improvement. Keep us posted with your progress and you may call me anytime.
Lori