12 Surgeries in 2 years

I was a generally healthy person before this fistula situation. Although, I did start having searing pain with my bowel movements. 

My journey started in middle of Covid, but I knew something was very wrong and that I needed help. So I went to my GP for a checkup.   Soon after that, I was booked in for a colonoscopy at St Vincent’s Northside Brisbane.  The prep for a colonoscopy is terrible but you really appreciate the sandwiches they feed you after the procedure!

I got the results back from my colonoscopy and the doctors found 2 fistula tracts which started in my bowel and ran through my sphincter muscle.

Technically speaking I have a complex horseshoe fistula with 2 tracts and there is a cavity filled with infection. 

My colorectal surgeon broke the news to me that this was not easy to fix and I would need many many surgeries to get it back to normal.  I didn’t really know how to deal with it - I still don’t. I am still in treatment for this.

But I have an amazing support network - my work has also been amazing and this support group have been my guiding light.

I just had my 12th surgery in 2 years but I still have hope that my day will come where my colorectal surgeon tells me we’re parting ways.