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drainage from enterocutaneous fistula

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Posted 12/14/2009 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
For those of you who have dealt with the enterocutaneous fistula's, what did you use to collect the drainage?  I've been just using large bandages, or gauze pads and tape, but this morning, I've already leaked through 3 gauze pads.  Typically, I do not have this much output in such a short period of time.  I'm just curious, since the supplies do get expensive.

Thanks,

Angela

Posted 12/14/2009 6:12 PM (GMT 0)
I used a combination of gauze/tape/feminine products...if you get the gauze and tape from a medical supply company they'll be cheaper.
Posted 12/15/2009 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
my son used an ostomy bag, until he had surgery. Yes, the supply are expensive.
Posted 12/16/2009 4:08 AM (GMT 0)
i used ABD bandages with an abdominal binder... i used ostomy bags.. at one time before an operation i had so many points of leakage i wore 3-4 ostomy bags at a time all over my abdomen.. what a mess.
Posted 12/16/2009 2:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi i use to use a pediactric stoma pouch they are enough for the drainage i had but now use a dressing as its draining less. Bev x
Posted 12/16/2009 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
I used gauze and tape.  I bought this gauze that had a plastic lining on one side, and it taped it reallllllllll good so it didn't leak.  I had good days when I only had to change the dressing twice, and bad days when I was changing the dressing every hour.  What is happening is the fistula "waxes" over, you will notice little to no drainage, then when it breaks through again it's a ton of drainage. I had to deal with this for over a year. Good luck! Have you considered surgery to try to repair it?
Posted 12/16/2009 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I've considered surgery; however, my surgeon is still hopeful it will close on it's own. It's only been 6 weeks, since I've had the drain out, which is where this fistula is. I'm just not sure what will happen. I feel like the hole is getting larger instead of smaller. Not to mention everything I eat goes right threw me. The "D" is really bad. I do have an appointment with my GI on Monday, Dec. 21 and will talk more about it then. I'm considering going for a second opinion somewhere else.
Posted 12/16/2009 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
I suggest you do get a second opinion. Especially if you D is not under control, that makes it much harder for a fistula to heal, if your bowel movement were soild there wouldn't be much drainage and make it easy to close.  Are you on Remicade or Humira? My surgeon wanted to keep waiting to see if mine would heal on its own too, I ended up having to deal with it for over a year.
Posted 12/16/2009 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
I'm not on any medication for Crohns' right now, because I haven't been able to get an appointment with my GI... Well, I take that back. I saw his PA about 6 weeks ago and they prescribed Imuran for me to start taking, but at that time I still had the drain in place and was told not to start taking it until everything was cleared up. I have lots of questions about the meds and really want to talk to the GI before I start anything. I'm sure the Imuran will help, but now I'm wondering if I should go for the big guns and try the Remicade instead. I just don't know what to do. My GI sucks. I like my surgeon, but not the GI. I have a feeling I will be seeking a second opinion after my appointment on Monday.
Posted 12/18/2009 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
DH has two abdominal fistulas which can put out up to 900ml a day. The fistulas are about an inch apart and he uses ostomy supplies. Since the output is liquid, he gets a very short wear time out of the flanges/pouches. Medicare initially wouldn't pay for ostomy supplies since he doesn't have a "surgically placed stoma". Well Medicare, I got news for ya, poop is poop whether it comes out of a "surgically placed stoma" or fistulas. There is no way gauze and tape is going to collect 900ml of poop!

I know there as wound/fistula bags but we couldn't ever find any that worked. DH has had numerous surgeries and they are just too many creases, crevices and peaks on his belly.

I hope your fistula heals!
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