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

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?

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

Thank you, Lovely :-)

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 :-)

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