Had my fistula surgery today. I didn't get to talk to my doc, but my mom did. Apparently all went well. My surgeon found a staple from my original ileostomy surgery and suspects it was the cause of my fistula. He also sent off a specimen to pathology. As a stage IV cancer survivor, that makes me nervous. However, I don't know if that's SOP. I'm settled in a room now and will only be here a few days, unless the weekend slows everything down. I am seeing an ostomy nurse tomorrow, just so she can take a look at it. I'm also going to change the bag myself tomorrow with a nurse as an extra set of hands. The hospital put on a bulky two-piece and I wear a one-piece. The two-piece just has so much hard plastic, whereas I use the soft Coloplast Sensura Mio light convex. The doc disconnected my intestine from my abdomen, resected the intestine below the fistula, and then was able to craft a new stoma in the same site. So no new scars! I'm in some pain but it's way easier than my previous surgeries. Hopefully all continues to go well.

Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?
First off, this is a pretty cool site with 40,189 members.
But, it's not all about ostomy. We talk about everything.
Many come here for advice, others find lasting friendships, and some have even found love.
🔒 Privacy is very important - your profile is not visible to the outside world.
40,189 members
Advertisement
Hollister
Talking about having an ostomy can be uncomfortable for most people. Still, it's something you can't always avoid.
Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.
Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.
Advertisement
Hollister
We sat down with two influential people in the ostomy community, to find out how they cope during challenging times.
Read what they had to say.
Read what they had to say.