Hi Tom, My perforation was not associated with the bladder. The perforated material (abscess) went into my abdominal area causing "free air" and quite a bit of pain. I was in the emergency room thinking the pain was from urinary retention. I was actually hoping that I had a fistula into the bladder and that diagnosis would answer the question of why I had monthly UTI's. So, they did look for a fistula, but there wasn't one. I truly can understand the pain level you are experiencing and identify with biting down on a towel. I'm sorry, but with the surgery, that will be gone! Positive thoughts are the BEST. I worried about the "bag" and was told it would be a possibility. It wasn't necessary. I did have a small drainage pouch for 7 days... more of a nuisance, not a crisis. It speeds up healing by drawing fluids from the surgical site.

To those who question to wait on surgery, I want to add that I would not recommend the emergency room approach. The infection from a perforated colon is very serious. I was in the hospital for seven days and on antibiotics for 45 days before they did my resection. Also, once I was recovered from surgery, 4-8 weeks, I was able to eat foods I hadn't been able to eat for years. No pain, no running to the bathroom.