Recovery and Pain Level after Hernia Surgery with Colostomy - Seeking Advice

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Pinkie pooh
Jul 19, 2021 8:49 pm
Very helpful

I am going to have a hernia operation next month. My doctor said that there are multiple bowels coming through the muscle. He will have to carefully remove each one, then come in with a piece of plastic instead of mesh because the hernia will end up coming back. He will then reroute my colon. He sent me to talk with their colon doctor to see about reversal of my stoma, but I had already been told by 2 other doctors it could not. I have a fistula between the rectum and vagina. The doc he sent me to pretty much said he can repair the fistula, but it would take several operations and I would have to keep my colostomy until it heals. But there is still no guarantee that the fistula won't open back up, and then I would be back where I started but with more money, time, and pain involved. So no, I wasn't interested in it. My hernia doc was in hopes I would go that route because it would make his job easier. Robotic surgery is the way he will perform the surgery, 2 holes on each side.

I am looking for someone who may have gone through this type of surgery. How long was recovery and what was the pain level like?

lovely
Jul 20, 2021 1:47 am

Hi Pinkie Pooh, sorry you are having so many problems. I can't help with any information. Maybe some others can help. I just want to say I hope things go well for you. Please keep us updated as it may help others. Best wishes

Posted by: Immarsh

Hi Hatlady and all,

I've had my ostomy for over 50 years, since I was a kid, and didn't think I really needed to be part of the ostomy site. But once active, I came to realize, that although I may not need help at the time, I was able to reach out and  help others in need. Back in the day, before stoma therapists, I use to visit new patients in the hospital or homes ... While professionals are great, it is also good to be able to speak with people with personal experience. I was a free member for awhile, but after writing often, I was given free months. I then started paying, and decided to just take lifetime membership. After all, I was going to have my ostomy for the rest of my life. I'm one of those people who can disappear for a few months at a time, but I'm always glad that the site is here, I can return and reconnect with old friends, and make new ones. This is an excellent site ... Best regards to all ... and Best wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year.

Pinkie pooh
Jul 20, 2021 1:52 pm

Thank you, Lovely :-)

Pinkie pooh
Jul 20, 2021 1:57 pm

I've been in and out of hospitals as well, most of them within the first 2-3 years. This is a hernia specialist in Greenville SC, that's all they do and he has great reviews, and yes, I have good insurance.

Thank you for your comment :-)

NurseAnita
Jul 22, 2021 8:48 pm
Very helpful

Did he also tell you about the 50% recurrence rate of hernias with or without mesh within a year? Most hernias do not require surgical repair - it's the owners that want them? Is that you? Or is your bowel getting obstructed? Do you have diabetes, smoke, waistline >45 inches, high output? These put you at high risk for recurrence. And you have a recto-vaginal fistula! Sounds like a very high risk. Trust your gut!

Nurse Anita

 

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