For those of you who've had your pouches removed, and had pouch fistulas as well, what happens to the fistula(s)? When thinking about it, how could a complex pouch-perineal fistula (or any pouch fistula, for that matter), that originates on the pouch be removed along with the pouch? Would there still be an opening (no barbie butt) and seton? Things have recently took a hard turn to the left for my pouch, and so I'm pretty adamant about not leaving the pouch in and going temp ostomy due to other pouch issues that I can no longer handle physically or mentally. I'll be discussing with the surgeon, of course, but would like to know if there's anybody out there who could share their experience with this. Thanks.
Thank you IAHUTS. Sounds like things will get back on-track for you soon, I'm glad to hear it. Your story was so helpful. Where did you have your surgery done? Was it close to your home town? I'll be having it done about 3 hrs. away, so have a few concerns there, especially if anything needs irrigation or packing. Do you do the irrigation yourself? How often are you going back to the dr. for quick (hopefully quick) checks? Were you in pretty good physical shape when you went in for the surgery, as in, a decent weight, no other health problems? I know we're all different, but how long were you in the hospital?
I am impressed that 3 weeks later you are out and about, very inspirational. Thanks again for posting, I'll be updating when a date is set, and I hope you keep us updated as well. Continue on with the healing.