Recovery and Pain Level after Hernia Surgery with Colostomy - Seeking Advice

Replies
4
Views
1646
Pinkie pooh
Jul 19, 2021 8:49 pm
Very helpful

I am going to have a hernia operation next month. My doctor said that there are multiple bowels coming through the muscle. He will have to carefully remove each one, then come in with a piece of plastic instead of mesh because the hernia will end up coming back. He will then reroute my colon. He sent me to talk with their colon doctor to see about reversal of my stoma, but I had already been told by 2 other doctors it could not. I have a fistula between the rectum and vagina. The doc he sent me to pretty much said he can repair the fistula, but it would take several operations and I would have to keep my colostomy until it heals. But there is still no guarantee that the fistula won't open back up, and then I would be back where I started but with more money, time, and pain involved. So no, I wasn't interested in it. My hernia doc was in hopes I would go that route because it would make his job easier. Robotic surgery is the way he will perform the surgery, 2 holes on each side.

I am looking for someone who may have gone through this type of surgery. How long was recovery and what was the pain level like?

lovely
Jul 20, 2021 1:47 am

Hi Pinkie Pooh, sorry you are having so many problems. I can't help with any information. Maybe some others can help. I just want to say I hope things go well for you. Please keep us updated as it may help others. Best wishes

Posted by: HungryHamster

Hi,

Not blowing my own trumpet or anything, but I was at the healthiest I had ever been prior to getting UC symptoms. I was eating very healthy and exercising 6/7 days. I'd love to know if any lifestyle factors affect UC, but I suppose I'll have to wait until they figure out what causes it.

I've been trying to occupy myself by being in contact with friends often, but some days I am really not in the mood and find it hard to drag my mind away from what ends up being a mountain of thoughts. I suppose it's all part of the learning process and I'm sure it'll happen less with time. This website has been great so far. It's great to be able to write this sort of stuff down and chat with people that understand what's going on. For that, I thank everyone on this website.

Thanks,

Hamish.

Pinkie pooh
Jul 20, 2021 1:52 pm

Thank you, Lovely :-)

Pinkie pooh
Jul 20, 2021 1:57 pm

I've been in and out of hospitals as well, most of them within the first 2-3 years. This is a hernia specialist in Greenville SC, that's all they do and he has great reviews, and yes, I have good insurance.

Thank you for your comment :-)

NurseAnita
Jul 22, 2021 8:48 pm
Very helpful

Did he also tell you about the 50% recurrence rate of hernias with or without mesh within a year? Most hernias do not require surgical repair - it's the owners that want them? Is that you? Or is your bowel getting obstructed? Do you have diabetes, smoke, waistline >45 inches, high output? These put you at high risk for recurrence. And you have a recto-vaginal fistula! Sounds like a very high risk. Trust your gut!

Nurse Anita

 

How to Adjust to Life with an Ostomy with Bruce | Hollister

Play