Passing Mucus Vaginally Post-Bowel Resection: Seeking Advice

On October 7, 2013, I had bowel resection due to severe diverticulitis with accompanying fistula.  Was passing stool through vagina.  So I am now over 5 months post-op and getting ready for reversal.  However, a couple of months ago I started to experience occasional passing of mucus through my vagina.  Same type of mucus that I occasionally pass from my stump.  Doctor is puzzled.  In an attempt to rule out a fistula, have seen a gynecologist, a gastroenterologist for a  colonoscopy, and a CT scan with accompanying barium enema, all of which were inconclusive.  Saw my surgeon a few days ago, and he wants me to wait about three months before moving ahead.  The gynecologist suggested a 3-month regimen of topically applied hormone, thinking perhaps the tissues in the vagina are dry and a flap of some kind has been created.  He thinks the hormone therapy might soften the tissue and thereby close the flap. If there is a flap.  He is not even sure about that.  I am not happy about using any kind of hormone, so not sure what to do.  The incidence of passing mucus through the vagina has no rhyme or reason.  Sometimes happens twice a week, and then nothing for weeks.  My surgeon was planning to do reversal laparoscopically, but now said if I continue to pass mucus, he will need to perform a full laparatomy.  Has anyone else had any kind of similar problem?  Go back to see the surgeon in June.  Any input would be appreciated.

I had my bladder removed. Few days later I started having discharge they had me do exactly what u have done. I had what appeared to be dk brown discharge. It immediately  began  to take skin off vag and side of legs. I cannot explain the severe pain.the area was so raw skin was weeping. Anyway that gave me ray w enema they found a fissure immediate. Had to have and opened thru the same original surgery take more of intestine to cover the hole final dx that bowel was backing up thru fissue, such a long story for something I felt should  have been easy to dx. I'm better now but went thru 5 Dr to solve I wish u success  sorry this taken so long I'm new to site

Right after I was admitted to the hospital on a emergency basis for full blown diverticulitis, I developed a fistula between the bowel and the vagina. I started to pass stool when I went to urinate. Needless to say, I was both horrified and scared out of my wits.  It was awful, so I know what you have been through.  I had an emergency bowel resection/colostomy first thing on Monday morning. Surgeon did not even bother with a bowel cleansing.  I was in bad shape.  Each time I have a follow-up appointment with him he continually reminds me of how sick I actually was.  Guess I wasn't aware at the time of how bad it was.  Was admitted on a Friday night, surgery on Monday morning, and was hospitalized for total of 9 days.  I had been in the hospital a couple of months prior with severe diverticulitis (pain like I have never experienced in my life!) but that hospitalization did not result in surgery. Just went on a lot of antibiotics, both in the hospital and after discharge.   If I had gone through surgery at that time I would not have spent all summer being sick and then ultimately winding up in an emergency situation.  I was completely debilitated, which made recovery very long and difficult.  Took me weeks to be able to eat--no appetite.  Lost a lot of weight.  All I wanted to do was sleep.  And every time I stood up I was dizzy.  That went on for weeks.   But I am now back up and running and ever so grateful to now have such an awesome surgeon.  Hopefully reversal in a few months will go well.

I am glad to know that the doctors finally got you straightened out. And thank you so much for your input.  By the way, I am also new to this site.  First posting for me. I have learned so much from reading the experience of many others.  Helps one to realize that we are not alone in our struggles.   Good luck, and may you have a bright and healthy future!  God Bless!
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