Hi. I’m new here. I’m so glad I found this link. I could definitely use some support or advice when I’m about to schedule a third procedure to repair a RV fistula.
I had my baby in March 2008, and about 1 week later I discovered some strange symptoms. I was embarrassed at 1st to mention to any of my family members, or to see a doctor. I waited about 4 weeks, when the symptoms improved but I was still staining. I was then referred to a pelvic surgeon. She advised me to wait, using an estrogen cream (I was still nursing) and stool softeners to help recovery. After 6 months the fistula shrunk to a needle hole size. It didn't close completely. So she gave me the option of surgery. I took it because I was constantly getting urine infections due to the fistula. But then I didn’t know that the surgery doesn't have a big success rate, & I only made matters worse. About 6 weeks following the procedure I was staining again. So my pelvic surgeon referred me to a gastroenterologist to check for Crohns disease. He mentioned to me before doing a colonoscopy that he can repair the fistula with laser. I never gave the ok, and when I woke up after the colonoscopy, the nurse proudly told me that the doctor fixed it with laser. I was mad. Somehow I knew it will reopen (& it did!). How can a simple thing like laser do the job?! About a week later it not only reopened, but got bigger! So now it’s more complicated to get it fixed (the tissue gets much weaker after laser). I wonder if I still have a chance to let it heal on its own. I am scheduled to see a Dr. at Mt Sini Hospital in August. I hope things will improve. Or at least not get worse!