Hey all, new user here, been loving the site for the last few days and had some questions of my own. been about 9 weeks out of 1st operation and anxiously awaiting the second to have my ostomy bag removed and give a go to my new system. just a few questions...what are fistulas and abscesses? I keep seeing posts about them. am I right in my assumption that pouchitis is simply irritation in the pouch, generally caused by disagreeable foods, too much spice or alcohol, things of that nature? anyway, i'll probably post a few other questions as this board has been more informative than any doctor could have been. thanks...

An abscess is a pocket of infection that is caused by a leak or unabsorbed blood. A fistula is what happens when that abscess connects to an organ or the outside of the body.

Pouchitis is not caused by dietary indiscretions, but is an inflammation of the pouch. Diet can exacerbate the symptoms, but not cause it. They are not certain what causes pouchitis, but it is assumed to be from an infectious agent or overgrowth of normal bacteria. IPS (irritable pouch syndrome) has similar symptoms as pouchitis, without the inflammation. IPS can be caused by diet, just like IBS.

Jan

I just want to remind you that fistulas and abscesses are not the norm with the surgery. You tend to have more people posting here with problems than those with none. I only mention that because there are so many success stories here too that are posted. I happen to be one with a fistula, never had uc for long before my surgery but with the 4 weeks i had it would prefer this surgery than the hell i experienced in that time. the help you find on this board even just for normal recovery things is simply amazing....i wish i found it earlier. Dont be scared by us fistula people, this is our support group but chances are small it will ever happen to you....please someone more experienced correct me if im wrong...

COngrats on your surgery. Pouchitis is irritation of the pouch and there are a number of sources. I have a fistula and it is a little lump near my anus. It can get a little painful, but not too bad.

Isn't fistula more common with Crohn's? Or can happen with UC too?