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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 12/3/2009 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
For those who know I had an abdominal fistula for the last year, I had surgery to fix it on Nov 20th.  I was left with an open wound and a woud VAC, for the last 3-4 days I've noticed a smell, the same smell it had when the fistula was there. AHHHHHH!! I am so upset right now, I called my surgeon crying...I'm going in for him to take a look at it tomorrow morning.  At the base of the wound I see a small hole, and the smell is like wastes.  My at home nurse is dumber then a box of rocks, I told her something was wrong but she kept saying things were fine...I took it into my own hands today because it seems like the smell is stronger.  Is this even possible? For a fistula to form again so quickly?  I'm so frustrated and upset, I dont know what to do anymore, but I know that I can't keep living like this.  Hopefully my surgeon says everything is fine, maybe it's just a little infection...but I know in my heart it's a fistula again. =(
Posted 12/3/2009 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hang in there...you can go into worry mode, if you need to, after you've seen your surgeon. I know that is easier said than done, but you did the right thing by contact the doc and getting the appointment, now try to get a good night of sleep. I've often 'jumped the gun' and worried myself sick only to find a VERY logical explanation once I saw my doc.

Please keep us posted!
Posted 12/3/2009 3:26 AM (GMT 0)
Here's hoping that it isn't another fistula. My DH has two abdominal fistulas. These formed after a resection with lots of complications in 2004. Surgeon doesn't want to try to "fix" them for fear of making the situation worse. It's not great to deal with and requires ostomy products which don't really always work well because he has no stoma. Please let us know how things turn out for you!
Posted 12/3/2009 3:28 AM (GMT 0)

Oh I am sorry!!  sad

I do agree with OHIO 76 though. It really could be a number of things.  If it is a fistula then you must take the prize for "fastest fistula grower."  Display that trophy on your fireplace mantle!   devil

I am thinking it is probably just infection that is clearing out of your body.  Drainage often doesn't smell very nice -- your body is trying to get rid of something.  Or maybe you have a new infection.  Not hard to get in the abdomen.  And it is usually not because you haven't done a good job of keeping things clean, rather you had an incision and they can get creative about infections all on their own.

So put aside you worry for tonight and get a good night sleep.

Let us know what your doctor says!  Praying for your healing, and a worry-free night.

Posted 12/3/2009 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
I went to my surgeon today.  He said no fistula, but that the smell was from bacteria.  He said theres a good chance he will have to go in and clean it out (ugh) but at least it's not a fistula!  He told me to start using the silver sponges (instead of black) with my wound VAC because apparently the silver ones keep bacteria away.
Posted 12/3/2009 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
OMG! Melissa, were you at the DDC this a.m. too? How strange is that. Sorry you're having to deal with all this, sometimes it's just so overwhelming. Hang in there!
Posted 12/3/2009 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
Yes I was! My appt was at 9:15am with Watson. =P  I was going to ask him about you, but I wasn't sure if you had seen him yet.  I didn't end up getting out of there until 11am haha.
Posted 11/26/2011 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Omg...I'm sorry...you will get better...I also have cd with fistulas and they just take time to heal. Remicade has healed my fistulas and an Essex up. God bless...
Posted 11/26/2011 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
hrsallee, this post is 2 years old. I haven't seen Mag in a few months.
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