Fistula and Ileostomy treatment

Hello! I'm new to posting on this (or any) forum, but I've read it a lot over the years, find myself needing some advice and guidance. I have Crohn's Disease and last year developed an ano-vaginal fistula. After each bowel movement, I have stool leak through my vaginal canal. I wear a mini-pad all the time and after each BM, I go back to the bathroom to wipe within a few minutes. There seems to be so little research and definite answers on treating this problem. I recently met with a surgeon and she posed this possible plan.
1. Temporary Ileostomy
2. A month later, surgery where they take a piece of leg muscle, and place it up over the fistula to try and cover the hole.
3. Leave the Ileostomy bag in place to give the muscle patch time to heal
4. Remove bag after a few months.

I'd love to hear from others with a fistula like this and any stories of healing or treatments that have worked. Also, anyone that's had the temporary Ileostomy bag - how long were you in the hospital, and what was recovery like? I'm a 5th grade teacher and don't like missing school. Was wondering if I can do the first surgery to get the bag over Christmas break to limit my time out of the classroom.
Hoping to hear from some people! THANK YOU!!

What exactly is that? When I met her back in April at first, she talked about maybe doing some type of loop tube down there...is that what that is?

Hi Volleygirl

Firstly huge hugs, any part of dealing with Crohns is always hard but a fistula in this area is never good news.  I have had perianal fistula in the past of which remicade was a great success, however this time last year I started to experience puss, wind and then poop in what I thought was my bladder.  Turns out it this was the case but also through my vagina.  I ended up being incontinent. 

With a ball of diseased bowel needing to be removed it was decided I was too far gone for remicade (although I was also told that remicade doesn't have as good a success rate with these types of fistula anyway).  I had surgery in February this year, initially the vaginal fistula was going to be repaired but the decision was made during the operation that as there was so much infection it was better to leave as is for any nasty stuff to be able to drain from my pelvis.  The view was with the bowel being rested (I also was given an ileostomy) the vagina would heal of it's own accord.  To date this seems to be the case.  With an indwelling cathetar for three months, the same has happened to my bladder.

I was initally quoted as five days for being in hospital which does seem to be the norm but as I was extreme case I was in for longer.  I read up a lot myself prior to the operation regarding taking tissue from elsewhere and covering the fistula, but as mentioned above this wasn't the route that was chosen for me.

I do really believe that having the ileostomy gives the affected areas chance to heal.  I am approaching 8 months with my ostomy and with seeing my surgeon next week, I'm wondering what his views are regarding the reversal.

Please stay in touch, if there's anything you'd like to ask me please do.  I know our situations are slightly different but also very similar.

Best wishes

Debbie 

I had a temporary illeostomy for 5 months. When I had my resection I had already been in the hospital for weeks. I suggest getting it while you are relatively healthy it would cut down on your hospital time. I was in 2 and a half weeks but I think the norm is 5-7 days. Once I had it and I stayed hydrated I felt almost normal. My number of bathroom trips was greatly reduced which was strange for me. As for the reversal it was an absolute breeze. I was in the hospital 3 days they just need for your bowels to start working again. I had a few rough days at home. Several trips to the bathroom. But every day I got better and after about 7 days I was feeling almost like I hadn't had an operation.

Good luck!