Hello again, sorry it has been a while but there wasn’t much to report, but this month has been a busy one.
We went to Corfu and it was brilliant, we really needed the break and we chose a beautiful part of Corfu called Arillas. My stoma behaved remarkably, and I felt confident enough to have a dip in the pool. I bought a lovely bikini from Bravissimo.
I knew that when I returned I would be seeing a consultant at St Marks hospital, which is a hospital specifically for bowel/pelvic issues.
My own consultant at home said I would most likely need a massive surgery with muscle from my tummy this time, and my scar on front and bottom opened up again, so this appointment at St Marks was to see if there was an alternative.
We arrived there, with no real sign for where St Marks might be in relation to Central Middlesex hospital, and eventually found the department. We were told that an emergency had occurred and there was an hour and a half delay. Not a problem, no ones fault, so we went to Greggs. The staff were pretty awful and unhelpful but anyway, we got a drink and something to eat.
I eventually got in to my appointment and the consultant was great. Didn’t dismiss me or belittle me like some of them do, and he had a look at my pelvic region, and a gelled finger up the vag, yikes. He prodded a bit then had a look at the hole in my flap scar. He said he could feel the hole in the vagina which lead to the pelvic collection, and asked about my symptoms and how it affected me.
After another look at the MRI, he said I had two options.
- Do nothing ( no thanks, this would mean I would always have the leaking)
- Try VAAFT surgery ( video assisted anal fistula treatment
- Another large surgery involving muscle and flap from my other bum cheek
Ok, so Option 1 is a no from me. Option 2 I need more info, Option 3 what does he think?
The VAAFT procedure would be this thin camera thing that is inserted through the hole ( not sure which one) and it can debride the fistula and cauterise the skin etc. It would mean travelling to London every six weeks for a day case procedure where the final one, he will try and close the hole in my vaginal. This procedure isn’t a cure but could potentially make my life easier. If all else fails I would have the large surgery.
So after a small deliberation I decided the VAAFT procedures would be the way to go. Anyone else experience this? how is recovery?
Will let you know how I got on.
