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LIFT Recovery Timeline (fistula)

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Posted 9/7/2022 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, does anyone have a LIFT healing experience you could share with me, for fistula repair? It seems there is very little on this topic out there.

I have a j-pouch and had a LIFT procedure performed 8/3 (so I am 5 weeks into recovery). I am still getting small amounts of drainage through the day. The drainage is opaque/light tan colored with occasional darker brown specs. The good news is the drainage has reduced over the last week or two. Up until about 4 weeks, it was draining out of the incision area, but now that area has healed and it is draining out of the old fistula spot. I think the fistula spot has healed a few times and then the drainage pushed it back open (and so there was blood each time that happened).

From your experience is this normal? My surgeon says I should give it at least another month, but he does not like talk about what-ifs much and I would sure appreciate some more information. Thanks
Posted 9/10/2022 2:48 PM (GMT 0)
Rocko,
I have a rectovaginal fistula. We haven't repaired it but the surgeon has spoken to me about the repair and what recovery should look like.

My surgeon has stated that recovery takes a minimum of 3 to six months and that there are periods of draining, swelling and discomfort that can occur during that period. These "happenings" do not necessarily indicate that you are not healing or that the surgery was not successful.

So.. if it were me.... I would be watching, taking notes and addressing the issues with my surgeon. I am a worry wort so I probably would be concerned about the drainage but I would try to temper it with the knowledge that there is drainage while healing. Id contact my surgeon if it was green colored or smelled foul. (Infection)

I wish you the best of luck and hope the surgery was successful.

Clo
Posted 9/10/2022 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
Haven't had a LIFT but have had many fistula repair procedures, including two gracilis flap repairs. I have always been told that they judge success ultimately around six months but that healing can take time and be a mix of primary and secondary. I totally empathize with the worry with increased swelling, drainage, etc. Try to give yourself some grace but don't hesitate to speak up/ask questions if you think something is off.

Healing vibes to you!
Posted 9/11/2022 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the kind responses.

I think I made some good progress between weeks 5 and 6, and discharge now is very minimal. I am feeling positive/hopeful about it.

I am going to write a synopsis when I hit the 6 month mark. There is not enough LIFT information out there. Reading the science journals is scary and many of them conflict with one another.
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