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Has anyone had personal experience with rectovaginal fistula repair?
Ostomy | Last Active: Dec 9, 2023 | Replies (59)Comment receiving replies
Hello,
I am writing for my friend who had fistula surgery (it was a severe case) about 8 months ago. She is following all of the doctor's instructions re bowel movements. Yesterday she told me that it has been 6 days since she had a bowel movement. She told me that the feces comes out like coffee grinds. I have looked on line re this subject and there can be some drastic reasons. Possibility of more surgery or wearing a bag for a period of time. I am very concerned for her and she has called her doctor's office and she keeps being told not to worry but I think it's time to worry. Any suggestions please. Thanks in advance.
Nancy S.
Replies to "Hello, I am writing for my friend who had fistula surgery (it was a severe case)..."
Thank you Ginger for your input. My friend has so many issues going on right and all of them are causing her so much stress. I don't think Alma would keep track of phone calls. Today I did check on her and she had a somewhat normal movement. I know she is worried since it's been 8 months since her surgery. She is going to see a gastroenterologist in 2 weeks and she is hoping that maybe she will have some answers for her. Her surgery was very extensive and I feel for her. I will speak with her tomorrow and let her know what you gold me. Thank you once for your concern and quick response. : )
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@nscappa Yes, she has to be her own advocate! If she is getting no relief from constipation, and no relief as to good answers to her concern, perhaps she can look at an urgent care this weekend? Can she call her doctor's office and speak to a nurse advisor, or the on-call doctor?
I hope she has been able to document the phone calls, and any efforts she has gone through to remedy her situation. It seems to me [as someone with no bowel fistula experience] that retention of feces could cause a bigger issue. If I was in those same shoes, I would keep "going up the chain of command" until I get some answers.
Ginger