What Is a Flap Surgery and Why Is It Needed?

I had a rectal removal in April and now stinking green sometimes yellow fluid leaking out. I'm asking you because they don't tell you everything. They didn't tell me I would lose bladder control or suffer burning nerve damage and numbness in my legs. They did not let me know that I have to start chemo again. Today my surgeon tells me to take antibiotics and we must meet with a plastic surgeon to give me a flap. I was expecting to go back to work and I was in a state of shock and to numb to even ask what a flap is and why we need a plastic surgeon. I was on the operating table for 9hrs in April and cant go through that again. I pray that I don't lose my insurance which I think I might. I'm so confused and really feel screwed. Please any thoughts, ideas and info would be greatly appreciated. Any body on COBRA and how does it work.

It took me almost two years to settle down to the point I now am Monty. For awhile I was in shock and dismay at the side effects of the medical process saving me from cancer in my bum, now I'd say I'm in adapt and thrive and nourish any smiles that come from me genuinely.

The burning and numbness is probably from one of the chemo's and will abate in about six months. The bladder control comes back if you practice kegal exercises (squeeze your pee-pee muscles counting to three and release, repeat, reps of fifty periodically through out the day)

(NOT FOR THE GENTLEMEN TO COMMENT ON, LOL)
Make sure you maintain your sexual relationship or get a gadget to pretend with bc radiation aimed at rectal cancer is how my lady parts got fried and closed up almost completely. My radiation technician laughed and said the lady that warned me that could happen was making it up to scare me but happen it did and it took about a year AFTER the chemo to occur without me noticing. Do a self examine to make sure all is open and smooth down there and, for lack of a better term...use it or loose it after radiation..."using it" will keep it open and smooth and prevent the necrosis that otherwise may occur. If some closure has happened I am told with "usage" partial closure can be improved.

Thank you for the response, had a rectal removal in April and my life has been a nightmare ever since. Apparently I've developed a fistula infection and have a yellow liquid coming out my butt that stinks to high heaven. I guess they have to go in there and clean, sew it closed and then cover it with a membrane flap. God I cant stand this any longer and feel like checking out sometimes. If it weren't for family support who knows. They have me on a strong antibiotic for 15 days to see if it will clear up. Going through chemo and radiation fried me down there and you are right, if you don't use it you lose it. I guess I have to look at the bright side, no more sleeping on the wet spot.
🔒 Login to see image
   Since fighting cancer I've been off of work for a year now and it looks like I'm going to lose my med insurance before I have the surgery which pisses me off. Hope I don't have to sell my house to stay alive. Once again thank you sister and fellow traveler.