Don't you feel like whacking the Dr when they say something as totally insensitive as that!
I understand the embarrassment. You're happily sitting there and then get up to go somewhere and .................. I find if I burp a lot, it does help when the thing is playing up as it seems to take the pressure off. I just joke after I belch and tell everyone that 'I'm a delicate flower' !!
I also have handy hand cream that has a perfume so I rub it onto my hands when the fistula smells. You get to the point that you don't want to eat in public or even with family. Close friends and family understand but.... I find the worse offender is the meat and 3 veg meal, as well as apples and onions (am allergic to sulphur). Have less of a problem with Thai and Indian food for some strange reason. Perhaps it is the chilli that helps? Don't know. I also eat oats and yoghurt in the morning and that seems to help. I think it's just hit and miss in finding what makes you windy but somedays no matter what, it plays up. I think stressful situations don't help us either.
I did have surgery on the 6th August to repair the RV fistula using a new form - neuralised bovine plug but unfortunately it came out after 10 days. :( At least it was a total failure as the Gynie Dr is willing to try again as it is less invasive then the other options the GIs were giving me (6 months on a bag and a 70% success rate).
In fact the GIs never bothered to do exploratory surgery on me, only the Gynie did and she showed the photos to a top Gastro Prof here in Aust who said the advancement flap repair the other Gastros wanted to do was too severe and should only be the last resort when all other options have failed. My Gynie is thinking of doing a combined surgery option to improve my chances and am now waiting on a referral to see another gynie specialist so that the 2 can work together.
Don't know if any of the above helps but you're not alone in the embarrassment stakes. Me, I've had it for over 8 years but was misdiagnosed until 2005........ Since then have been searching for options to repair it without a bag. Flagyll/Metrogyl is commonly used to heal it but of course, I'm allergic to it ;( Am now on 6MP and have read research about using the drug to repair it. They've had success when people take it for 1 year at 5 to 10mg for every 1kg (2.2 pounds) you weigh but have worked out I would have to drop another 17kgs (am already classed under weight with a BMI of 18.5) or would have to double my current dose. Ah well, will keep on trying.
Take care
Bron