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After some tests over the last couple of weeks it was found that I am continuing to develop fistula from my disconnected Jpouch and am now scheduled for surgery next Tuesday for pouch removal.
I've had an end ileostomy since last march when they attempted to repair the Jpouch but due to a fistula forming about 3/4 inch below the ileostomy (underneath the seal of the ostomy pouch) I've had to change the pouch daily. The doctor is talking about moving the stoma site to the other side but I'm concerned with this because my original loop ileostomy was on that side and the scar is really sunk in leaving the only place to put the new ileostomy very high and still close to the scar which looks like it may make sealing of the ostomy pouch a nightmare.
The ostomy nurse said she is going to talk to the doctor and see if there is any way to save my current ileostomy.

Has anybody else had a fistula this close to their ileostomy? And if so was the doctor able to save the ileostomy?

Also from what I've read on here the so called "ken butt" is the worst part in recovering from this surgery, how long should I plan for the recovery (mainly concerned with when I will be able to drive or care for myself)?

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The tush healing is hard because you just can't get comfy for a while with the stitches. Sitting is hard, lying down is hard, standing is hard. Once the stitches come out - about a week to ten days - life gets much easier. This issue is one my GI warned can be a tough heal - I was lucky I healed quickly w no complications, just be prepared that it is a tough area to heal because it is constantly moving and that pulls on stitches and can make healing hard.

I recovered really quickly from this surgery but it is a you one. You won't be able to drive for 4-6 weeks and no lifting anything more than 5lbs for that time. You will want help for the first few weeks.
J
Had surgery on March 26th.
Very tough surgery, a lot more pain then any of my previous surgeries. Currently just laying around the house, seems if I find just the right position to lay in and not move I can get almost comfortable. Lots of swelling and constant drainage from butt wound, saw the doctor on Monday and will have to hold off on stitch removal until swelling and drainage goes down. Surprisingly to me they didn't put me on antibiotics saying that they most likely wouldn't help and told me to come back in a couple of weeks to see if things improve.
They did remove the drain by my stoma and they removed the staples from the incision on my belly.
Not looking forward to stitch removal, wasn't expecting it because one of the doctors told me that they had used the dissolving stitches before I left the hospital.
R

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