Abscess after Reversal

Hi everyone. It's Cheryl and I had a ileostomy reverrsal on 7-14 and was released from the hospital on 7-17. Within a couple of days I had increased pain in my lower groin (below the incision) and began running a low grade fever. For two days the surgeon assured me it was "gas pain" and that I needed to walk more and take Gas X. By Friday 7/21, I was in the ER with sever pain and a temperature of 102. I was admitted that night.

I was diagnosed with an abscess under the original area of the ostomy. I have had three CTs and a they made one attempt to drain the abscess. During this attempt, they left in a JP drain which I still have. I spent the past 11 days in the hospital and practically went insane. I was discharged today on IV antibiotics and return next week for another CT. The only option beyond antibiotic treatment now is to have more surgery because the remainder of the fluid is in an area that they can no reach with a drain.

Has anyone else had this problem and if so, how did it resolve? I'm exhausted and just so tired of complications

Thank you so much. The support from everyone is part of what keeps me going. This has been a life saver to have a site and people that understand.

Rita,

  Glad to hear that you're able to go home. That's wonderful. I can't imagine being away for six long months.  I had the CT of my pelvis and abdomen repeated today. I should get those results tomorrow and the surgeon will hopefully decide if I can stop the three times a day IV antibiotics. This PICC line is inserted right in the ben of my arm and it's a real pain in the butt.  It keeps bleeding because the bending irritates it but it's almost impossible to never bend your arm.

   I feel much better but I'm so fatigued. I think that last hospital stay really took a toll on me. The surgeon had originally said I might be able to return to work next week but I really don't feel up to it yet. Besides, I'm still getting the IV's 3 times a day and I feel like I need some time to get my strength back. I have discomfort in my stomach, mainly around my waist area and I also have discomfort before bowel movements.  I go 2-3 times a day but I also have half of my colon left so they had told me I probably wouldnt go as often as someone who's entire colon had been removed.

   I'll let you know what the results of the CT are and if the abscess is cleared up. He told me not to expect it to be gone but if my fever is down and my pain is gone, we could assume that the abscess is now "sterile" and he would stop treating it. He had originally said I may have to take the IV's for another week. Guess I'll find out tomorrow.  Take care.

                                                               Cheryl

Rita,

  I was released from the hospital 3 days after my reversal. On the 5th day, I had a low grade fever and a slight pain in my groin. I called the surgeon's office to report what was going on and was told it was "normal" and that the pain was probably gas.  The same happened the next day but the pain was worse. Same answer from the MD's office.  Exactly a week after the reversal, I had a temp of 102 and was in severe pain. It was in my right lower groin or pelvic area and spread upwards into my stomach. I couldn't walk, sit or stand. It was horrible so I called the doctor on-call and was sent to the ER. I was admitted and the next day they did the first of several CT scans of by abdomen and found the abscess.  The absces is basically a sore in my stomach, most likely caused by bacteria from the colon during the reversal.

  My test yesterday revealed that the abscess is still there but they're stopping my IV antibiotics and we're going to see if I start running a fever again or if I end up having pain. The doctor said it could be "sterile" now and not cause problems but we won't know until we stop the antibiotics and see what happens. It scares me a little but we're going to try it. He may do a pelvic ultrasound if the pain continues. Worst case would be more surgery to go in and remove it. Not too thrilled about that option.

   My incision for the reversal was stitched and healed without problems. My last drain site ws slow to heal but is better now. I live in Indiana, I just turned 49 and have three children (25, 23 & 20).  My oldest is a son who was married last October and the other two are girls. The youngest leaves for college on Sunday so I'm pretty sad about that. She went locally for her freshman year but wants to go away this year.  :(  I'll really miss her.

   I hope you continue to improve and have great luck with having children. They are a true blessing and I don't know what I would do without mine.

Rita,
The antibiotics ended late Tuesday night and so far I've had a few achey pains in my pelvic area but nothing terribly painful and no fever. Of course I'm terrified that it's going to start up again so I'm sure I notice every little twinge! The MD says the abscess can become "sterile" after massive antibiotics and never cause another problem but we won't know until we get the antibiotics out of my system. Keep your fingers crossed and hopefully it will never cause me anoter problem!

Hey Cheryl,

It's been a couple of weeks since I was in touch with you and you were off the antibiotics.  Just checking in on how you're doing.  I hope all is well and you're feeling better.  I have been praying for you.....