Total colectomy and permanent ileostomy

I don't know how surgery affects the fistulas, I had UC, so I didn't have any of those. I have heard they are very painful though. I really hope the surgery fixes that!
As for the pain level of the surgery, it hurts, a lot. I don't want to lie to you and say it's unicorns and rainbows. But they give you good drugs and keep you comfortable. Within about 3 weeks or so you should be off the pain pills. If you have a strong core it will be easier.
It depends on your job as to how long, if you have a desk job you might be able to go back at a month. If you have a strenuous job it might be 6 to 8 weeks.
It didn't take me long to get used to the bag, it just takes a while to get a good system down. Don't be discouraged if you have leaks at first.
Complications can be things like blockages or slow healing. Of course the dr will tell you all the super scary stuff that can happen when you have surgery. He just has to.
Usually the main complication is getting dehydrated. That is easily prevented by drinking more and adding some salty things to your diet.
You will have to wait about 6 weeks or so to start eating fresh fruits and vegetables, after that it should be fine. Most of us can eat whatever, some people have one or two things that cause problems. That's just trial and error.
I know how scary it is, and you will probably second guess yourself a thousand times before surgery. But if you think that's what you want, make a list of all the reasons you are unhappy now, and see if surgery won't fix most of those.
Good luck

I am making this decision now as well to have surgery and be rid of my fistulas. If anyone had told me 8 months ago how debilitating they are I would not have believed them. It has turned my life upside down. I decided not to do remicade and get surgery. My temporary loop ileostomy was in December hoping that it would help the fistula but it has not, they are spreading. My proctocolectomy with end ileo and anal closure will be in the next 6 weeks. I am not looking forward to recovery and hope for a fast healing anal wound. Hopefully my recovery goes as smoothly as summerstorm and desertsun. Yours as well.

Getting used to the bag takes a few weeks but in time I came to realize it is 100% better than dealing with crohns. I had a few leaks but eventually found what works best for me. Ask for samples of product from all the companies to find out what works best for you.

I think you'll be surprised at how naturally it comes! For the first 3-4 weeks after surgery you will probably find it hard to eat full sized meals (I always do) so it's better to eat "snacks" every couple hours. Once your system settles down from the initial shock of the surgery, about two weeks post-op, you should be cleared for a low-residue diet and then hopefully you will do great just enjoying old favorite foods again! I lost about 40 lb due to UC in the year before my surgery and gained 20 back within two months of my colectomy, really without trying.

The key to eating after surgery is lots and lots of protein. Having solid protein levels in your blood after and before the next surgery will really set you up for success as well as gaining weight in a healthy way. When I'm inactive it's hard for me to eat much animal protein, so in addition to small amounts of chicken and fish my staples are Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and eggs. Don't be afraid of fat either if you find you can tolerate it... I'm sure some of my 20 lb gain is attributable to the mayo in my chicken salad and the butter and cheese on my eggs.

Good luck! You can do it!! I know the situation is different (I have UC) but getting rid of my colon was my #1 best decision ever.

Ice cream and cake! That's the most fun way to gain weight :)
Really though you will want to try to gain some muscle too, you won't be able to do any weight lifting or anything, but you can do some simple things and eat a lot of protein to build muscle along with weight.

If you haven't been marked yet be sure you wear your normal clothes to the marking and get a good placement, although I am guessing you already have been by this time!

Smd729 l was virtually in the same position as you although I only have had crohns for 10yrs but the last 7 have been awful. I too had tried and failed all the meds you have mentioned. I eventually had enough and opted for proctocolectomy. I spent months doubting my decision and feeling petrified. Then I'd feel brave and positive that it was the right decision - this only lasted a second and I was back to doubting myself again! I talked my family and friends to death over it but they stuck with me.
I had my op 4 wks ago and was done laproscopically and took over 9 hrs. I had an epidural for pain and I can honestly say I woke up pain free. The epidural was left in for 4 days and then I was started on tramadol and paracetamol before removal of the epidural later that day. I just have to say at this point that I am a whimp, I don't suffer pain and am a confirmed coward but honestly the most pain I had was from the anal wound and that was down to basic nappy rash - sitting on an inco pad with the small amount of discharge burning the buttocks. It was sorted with the use of a barrier cream - bliss! I requested the tramadol was cut down the day after and then stopped the day after that and I was fine on just paracetamol.
I was up the morning after surgery and discharged home after a week.
I know its early days but i'm doing just fine at the moment and feel so well although I'm sticking to the advice from the Hosp and what others have said on here.
I'm putting the good experience down to getting rid of a rotten, festering colon etc and feeling so bad for many years and anything i feel now has to be better. One thing I promised myself was that once I stepped on the roller coaster of surgery and knowing there would be no going back, l too would not look back and regret my decision. The bag, well its part of my life now and i just get on with it - it does only take minutes to change or empty so i spend less time in the loo now than i did before surgery!
Like you, I don't know what the future will bring but I feel better at this moment than I have in years and don't intend to waste time but just get on with life. I may even get to see my daughter get married without worrying where the loo is!
Sorry for the essay but hope it helps.

I just had the complete proctocolectomy last week. Things were so great after my first surgery. I had so much energy! My surgeon took out the colon and gave me a perm illeostomy in may. I felt great and had a wonderful summer. Having this surgery is frustrating. I have a wound vac since my doctor was concerned with wound healing. I really feel this lack of independence. Also it seems so many people have complications. Everyone tells me not to worry because no one can change it but I can't help myself. I am home, can't really sit comfortably and just keep ruminating about wound healing and potential hernias. The unknown is terrifying.