Thanks for sharing this. I am 68. I have a fistula and a stricture in what’s left of my plumbing. The GI doctor said the fistula would likely get worse with reconnection and the stricture would have to be dilated routinely. I was leaning toward removal of everything before the surgeon said that was my best option. But the finality of this has me feeling down. I’m meeting with her later this month for a final decision, but I already know what it will be.