I developed an RV fistula almost 2 years ago after a hemorrhoid surgery abscessed. After several failed repairs, I had a major gracilis muscle flap inversion surgery to do the repair. This was back in July 2015. My surgeon has done 2 exams and declared it a success. No more fistula! So I'm scheduled for reversal as soon as the surgery wound completely heals. I had my ileo back in March to reduce the possibility of abscesses this time around. But since I've had the ileostomy, I still have some mucus that comes through the rectum from the colon. Before this happens, I get weak and nauseated and a little light-headed. I've learned to sit through that and life goes on, but when I expel the mucus rectally, some mucus comes out vaginally as well. I asked the doctor about it. He's not sure where it comes from but can only say the fistula is not there. I read on another non-ostomy forum that other women have this situation without having an ostomy or fistula. That reassured me a bit, but I'm still wondering if I should ask the doctor about it again before the reversal. Has anyone had this situation before? I also get an air bubble or two occasionally vaginally. Guess I've had enough surgery to be leery of results. Just believing I won't end up where I started, but it might help to know. Hope this isn't too confusing. P.S. I'm postmenopausal, so that doesn't figure into the situation. Thanks for any responses.
Hello Clover. I cannot help with your question but I thought I'd write to let you know that I hope yor situation is resolved and you have a successful reversal. Best wishes
Bill
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Hi gang,
I was thinking what a great resource this site has been for me since I found it. It would have been really helpful, but maybe a bit scary, to have found it before my ostomy, but that's water under the bridge. But I got thinking about it, and now I'm questioning why doctors and hospitals don't provide this site's contact info to any patient even considering an ostomy today. And how can we change that so potential ostomates can learn about the road ahead for them by getting on here and asking questions before the docs go chop-chop. How exactly do you get all hospitals to provide their patients specific information, like this website?
I just happened to find this site something like 4 years after my ostomy when I Googled "ostomy forum" or something like that. But I never found it during previous searches.....so I found this site pretty much by pure luck. We need to find a way to make this site available to new or soon-to-be ostomates......as that's when we really need to commiserate with fellow ostomates. Anybody have any thoughts on how we do this?
Thanks,
Bob
Hey Clover, sorry that I can't help you with the medical part but, maybe, with getting advice. Lots of women experienced what you're going through and would be glad to offer their input. My suggestion is for you to repost using a more specific title. I would name it RV Fistula and see what happens.
Best of luck to you,
Mike
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I would look further into this -- I know the mucus can come rectally but very rarely. I have had 2 small globs in almost 3 years. As for vaginally, I never had any and I am definitely post-menopause! I would want to be sure there is no possible leakage, no matter how tiny, into the vaginal wall. The rectal mucus is somewhat common according to my surgeon - he said you may or may not experience it and it could be "sort of often or very rarely" so I would suggest that portion to be okay.... good luck
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Clover,
I know this post is old, but hoping you still track it. I would LOVE some feedback. I am looking at having this surgery, with the gracilis muscle, to correct my rectovaginal fistula. I am having the hardest time finding any information from people who have had the surgery. Could you please share your experience? I know this thread is old, but I am desperate for more information. I am just sick to my stomach about all of this. Before this, I was a perfectly healthy 28-year-old woman. I have one baby, and desperately want to have more, but obviously cannot right now.
I just 3 weeks ago had a failed anal flap repair (My first surgery to try and repair), and now my surgeon here in Alabama wants to do the Gracilis Flap repair with an Ostomy. I am waiting on getting my medical records so I can send them to the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic for second opinions. For those who have had the surgery, do you mind giving me more information, such as
- Was it successful?
- What did recovery look like?
- Are you now able to be intimate with your significant other, and if so, how long after? My husband has been WONDERFUL in dealing with all of this, but I just want to know when we would be able to again?
- Has anyone gone on to have more children?
- Did you have your ostomy reversed?
Thank you so much in advance!