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This is off topic but I'm hoping that someone might have some insight. I have a colostomy which works just fine but my problem is pain in my rectal area. The colostomy was done 4 years ago and was intended to be temporary but due to the effects from radiation for anal cancer, I realized I would be better off keeping it to avoid incontinence.
Over some period of time - perhaps the last year to 18 months, I noticed no mucus coming from the rectum. And the reason that it seemed odd was that sometimes when I irrigate, the cone slips into the wrong passage ( I have a loop colostomy) and when that happens I would normally expel that fluid rectally. But now I have no passage through the rectum/anus because the anus has completely closed up.
I saw the surgeon that placed the colostomy and he confirmed my finding. An MRI was done which did not mention any findings in the rectum so that was a waste of time and the surgeon did not have any thoughts about it. Instead, he essentially said I would need to take my case to a colorectal surgeon to see if opening and keeping the anus/rectum dilated would alleviate the pain. I would of course like to get rid of the pain but am concerned about the process of opening and keeping the backside dilated. I have other radiation changes to my female parts and worry I could cause more problems in the process of trying to solve one. I had a rectovaginal fistula from the cancer and my female parts are also fragile from age (66). So if anyone has had similar problems, I would love to know how you resolved them.
Rectal and anal stenosis
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Re: Rectal and anal stenosis
Sounds like your surgeon doesn't want to get in over his/her head; talking to a C/R surgeon would be a good idea.
If your anus is constricted by scar tissue, dilation might help it drain. For me, that was an outpatient procedure kind of like a colonoscopy.
They might be able to aspirate the fluid (also outpatient; I found it painful), but it would probably build up again.
They may suggest a proctectomy (is that the right term?), complete removal of your digestive tract south of the ostomy, including rectum and anus. That's also known as Barbie (or Ken) Butt.
I had rectal dilation in 2007. That caused a tear (fissure/fistula/hole/sinus; every doctor called it something different) in tissue weakened by radiation, which led to a buildup of fluid, pain, frequent infections, colostomy, and eventually a proctectomy and cleanout of the area in 2018. Your mileage may vary, good luck!
If your anus is constricted by scar tissue, dilation might help it drain. For me, that was an outpatient procedure kind of like a colonoscopy.
They might be able to aspirate the fluid (also outpatient; I found it painful), but it would probably build up again.
They may suggest a proctectomy (is that the right term?), complete removal of your digestive tract south of the ostomy, including rectum and anus. That's also known as Barbie (or Ken) Butt.
I had rectal dilation in 2007. That caused a tear (fissure/fistula/hole/sinus; every doctor called it something different) in tissue weakened by radiation, which led to a buildup of fluid, pain, frequent infections, colostomy, and eventually a proctectomy and cleanout of the area in 2018. Your mileage may vary, good luck!
Lee
I am not my disease.
I am not my disease.
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lolapergola
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Re: Rectal and anal stenosis
Hi Ornery , I have a loop colostomy too .Mine was done by a colo-rectal surgeon , but he has retired .I've met other colo-r surgeons before , and they've never seen a mucus fistula and have no idea about anything .
I sought out help when the smelly output from the m,f, was driving me nuts .Long story short - my anus had stenosed and there were no new options to offer me because of that ( I had it for incontinence and was hoping a new procedure might be be tried ) .I am fortunate that the stenosed anus can still open enough - just - to let mucus out , but one day I may be in your situation .My original surgeon instilled in me this - if anyone ever offers to "close " the fistula up at the abdomen level , don't let them do it .Also , think very long and hard if the fistula becomes a problem before agreeing to have it removed .He said in his opinion , it was as big an op as the having the colostomy done .
I am your age too and F , I would hate to have more surgery now .My first question to a colo s would be - is there an option to leave it ? That's what I plan to do if I get worse .I don't want more scar tissue .I get quite a bit of pain now as it is so narrowed , but I'd rather have that than have them start messing about with me again at our age .
I don't know if this has helped .You can p/m me if you like as it's a bit yukky - I know what you men about your F parts .
best wishes
Lola .
I sought out help when the smelly output from the m,f, was driving me nuts .Long story short - my anus had stenosed and there were no new options to offer me because of that ( I had it for incontinence and was hoping a new procedure might be be tried ) .I am fortunate that the stenosed anus can still open enough - just - to let mucus out , but one day I may be in your situation .My original surgeon instilled in me this - if anyone ever offers to "close " the fistula up at the abdomen level , don't let them do it .Also , think very long and hard if the fistula becomes a problem before agreeing to have it removed .He said in his opinion , it was as big an op as the having the colostomy done .
I am your age too and F , I would hate to have more surgery now .My first question to a colo s would be - is there an option to leave it ? That's what I plan to do if I get worse .I don't want more scar tissue .I get quite a bit of pain now as it is so narrowed , but I'd rather have that than have them start messing about with me again at our age .
I don't know if this has helped .You can p/m me if you like as it's a bit yukky - I know what you men about your F parts .
best wishes
Lola .
Re: Rectal and anal stenosis
Thank you Lee and Lola for your replies. It helps to have your perspectives and experiences for thinking this through. I'm getting set up with a CR surgeon that I did see a few years ago when he did an rectal exam under anesthesia. He was easy to talk to so I feel he will give me good input. I would like to PM you Lola so thanks for that offer. Will do that soon.