Abdominal fistula due to many ops for cd

[johnhamilton]

I'm 59yrs old and was diagnosed with CD in 1999. I have had 9 operations since then,including the removal of colon and rectum in 2009. In Jan 2012 I had an operation to repair my stoma,following this op I developed an abdominal fistula and 3 operations later the fistula is still there. I spent over 4 months in the local hospital (Elgin Scotland).The fistula has a high output,2 to 4 litres a day,the wound bag attached to the hole in my belly leaks continuously and is driving my wife and I crazy. I get 12 hrs of TPN daily as well as 4 hrs of fluids to maintain my hydration. Because of leaking wound bag I am basically housebound and my life sucks. I have already been referred to an intestinal failure unit who can do nothing fot me.My surgeon had now referred me to a transplantation unit in Cambridge,England. Any one out there with any similar experience of leaking wound bags,andominal fistulas etc. Forgot to mention I have only 70cms of small bowel left.

 

[Angrybird]

Hello John and welcome to the forum.

I am sorry to hear you are having such a horrible time if things I have not had a fistula myself but we do have a sub forum for these that is worth checking out to get thoughts from the folks here: http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=76. What meds are you currently on? Has anything been mentioned to you about short bowel syndrome and whether this could be contributing to the fistula out put?

AB
xx

 

[David]

Hi John and welcome to the community.

I'm so sorry to hear of the terrible time you're having. Boy do I have the thread for you though. Read this for a first hand account of a bowel transplant.

All my best to you.