Failed VVF Repair

Went to see the surgeon yesterday and had a cystogram. I am still leaking after 8 weeks of having a catheter. The catheter is out now...phew the relief was instant.

My surgeon is checking his dates with the other surgeon who he operates with tomorrow morning and I should have a date for the real deal repair. I am going to have an incision from my belly button down and a flap will be inserted between the bladder and vagina. The repair op should be sometime in August. Lets hope this one works! Fingers crossed for me.

Donna,

I am so sorry to hear the fistula is still with you. At least the cath is gone!! My abd repair was also from the belly button down. My dr said it would give them a better look at what was going on. Do you think they may find a surgical opening before August? If not, at least the wait will be a little easier without the catheter.

Fingers and toes crossed for you!!

Dee

My bladder was fused to the uterus, so it was damaged during the hysterectomy. After further surgery to repair it, a vaginal fistula opened up and my urologist said he would probably need to operate abdominally, but that we'd give it a chance to heal on its own. The foley catheter was left in after the final surgery, so I was sent home and told to have it changed every 2 weeks. I also took an antibiotic the entire time that I had the catheter. When I asked my doctor what I could do to promote self healing, he didn't have any suggestions. AFter much research I decided to try several things (figured none of them would hurt!). This week, after 6 weeks with the catheter (which became more painful each day) a cistogram showed my bladder to be healed and healthy. My urologist was pleased and told me he seldom sees this happen so nicely. So I want to share my treatment options, even though some may seem bizarre. 1) I took Gota Kola tablets (750-1000mg/daily) to promote healing. I am still taking these for good measure. 2) I drank at least 16oz of cranberry juice every day, and a great deal of water. 3) During an 8 day period, each night I placed a small cloth saturated in castor oil immediately over the bladder and meditated on healing for 10-15 minutes. 4) Numerous friends & family prayed to baby jesus, the virgin de guadalupe, buddha, the bladder god, and most likely other dieties.

Perhaps it was all, none, or some combination of these things that helped me to heal. I hope someone else can have a positive outcome like I did.

Very pleased that your VVF healed the first time. You are very fortunate. Out of interest do you know how big the hole was in your bladder?

Sorry, I don't have any idea how large the hole was. And yes, I do feel extremely fortunate.

Lunamex. Thanks for the reply.

My understanding of fistulas is that if they are 2cm or larger they are harder to fix first time.