I have had my colostomy for about three plus years. I developed a rectovaginal fistula early on. I've had two attempts to clamp it, but both failed. I don't see anyone talking about this issue. For me, I deal okay with my ostomy, but this fistula makes my life miserable: constant mucus flow, bloody mucus, caused by proctitis, inflamed tissue. The surgeon prescribed suppositories, probably for life. I didn't come through surgeries well, so they really don't want to do more on me. Of course, I'm not young, but I sure would like a better quality of life before my time is up. Just saying🤗
j2306
Aug 17, 2025 6:16 pm
SusanT
Aug 17, 2025 6:48 pm
I had a rectovaginal fistula before surgery, and I know they are miserable. I'm sorry you are dealing with this.
I have a small bowel fistula draining into my pelvis. I have a drain that pulls out the fluid and prevents it from leaking out of my vagina and rectum. Is something like that possible for you? Inserting the drain is done under light sedation and takes only 15 to 30 minutes or so.
The problem with clamping fistulas is that they grow back. It isn't a fix.
Since you no longer have stool coming through, have you tried tampons? Maybe that would give you some control and improve your quality of life.
The ideal solution is surgery, but given you didn't do well with surgery before, combined with your age, I'm thinking no doctor will risk that.
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Posted by: Bagface
Angelica- As usual, you've written another interesting post. February 5th, 2019, was my reversal surgery after having an ileo for 6 months. I'm one of those fortunate success stories. Of course, things are different now, and I still have to be careful about what and how much I eat, as I don't have a colon. At first, I was afraid to leave the house. My biggest fear was having to use a public bathroom and have the toilet not flush! Even now, when I know that I'll be in someone else's home, I won't eat anything beforehand. I read other people's stories and sometimes feel guilty for having had it so easy, not to mention that I have a significant other who is 100 percent supportive. I've gotten so much out of this website and truly feel for those of you who have it so much worse than I. But I feel it necessary to let folks hear about the success stories.
gentlejohn
Aug 17, 2025 9:50 pm
If you can travel, I would consider getting an opinion at the University of Minnesota or the Cleveland Clinic.
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Karliegirl33
Aug 17, 2025 11:44 pm
I too have a rectovaginal fistula. This is the reason for my colostomy. The bowel leakage stopped, but like you say, there is still clear liquid coming from the vaginal area as well as out the back door, LOL.
Miserable way to live for sure. I am seeing my surgeon on September 15 and hope he has new info to offer. I do not want clamps. Perhaps what SusanT said. I will get back to you with any info I feel could be helpful for you.
Hang in there.
Kyle
Aug 18, 2025 12:20 am
I have my ostomy because of a recto/vaginal fistula. Two attempts to fix the fistula failed, and at my age, I am not willing to try again. About once a week, I use a suppository a few hours before a shower, and while in the shower, I use a lukewarm enema to clear out the mucus and stool that gets past the stoma. If too much is getting past the stoma, I take some Imodium. This has been an improvement, as before the ostomy, I never knew when diarrhea was going to fall out, and gas was embarrassing, to say the least. My vulva was always burnt and swollen because it was getting exposed to the acid from my stool all the time, and every time I went to the bathroom, I had to get in the tub to shower down below, which made it hard to go out. I have a friend who has MS, and her motto is, "It could always be worse," so when I get frustrated, I think about how much worse it could be.
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