This topic is about the healing process and recovery tips following rectal surgery closure after an ileostomy. The person who shared their experience had surgery in October 2012 and is dealing with a wound that remains open, painful, and draining six months later. They are looking for advice on healing timelines and practical suggestions, as well as wondering if having a large, un-sutured cavity is normal.

Here are some insights and advice shared by others who have gone through similar experiences:

1. Healing can take a long time, often between 6 to 12 months or even longer. Some wounds may stall at 90-95% healed and might need additional surgery or plastic-surgery revision. Patience is key.

2. Regular professional wound care is beneficial. Home-care nurses who perform thorough cleaning and dressing changes can help speed up the healing process.

3. Topical antimicrobials containing silver are recommended:
- Flamazine (Silver Sulfadiazine 1%) applied 2-3 times daily.
- Silvasorb (silver-impregnated gel/ointment) may require a prescription from your doctor.

4. Dressing strategies can vary:
- Some suggest keeping the wound dry by changing gauze every 2-3 hours and protecting it from moisture.
- Others have had success with keeping the wound moist using wet-to-moist sterile-gauze packing. It's important to follow the instructions given by your wound-care team.

5. To maximize airflow and minimize pressure, try lying on your stomach or side, avoid prolonged sitting, wear a dressing gown or go without underwear when possible, and use a "doughnut" or ring cushion for sitting and long car rides.

6. Modify your activities by avoiding lifting, squatting, or bending, and accept the need for extended rest. Over-exertion can delay healing.

7. Pain management is important. Many experienced pain while sitting until the wound was nearly closed. Using cushions, limiting sitting time, and taking pain relief medications can help.

8. If healing plateaus or if there's a suspicion of infection or abscess, a CT scan can be useful.

9. If the wound stops progressing and turns into scar tissue, surgical revision or a skin graft might be necessary to complete the healing.

10. For those considering rectal-stump closure, leaving the stump open can avoid some complications. It's important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully.

11. General tips include taking sitz baths for comfort and cleanliness, using sterile water for dressing changes, and maintaining a consistent technique—whether dry or moist—as advised by your wound-care team.