Fistuals, anyone?

Haven't posted in three months; have had three surgeries since 5/16/06. I have at least 3 and perhaps 4 fistulas that are draining through my open incision and onto a large dressing that has to be changed three times a day. I am on TPN (total parenteral nutrition) through a PICC line (which is my 4th one since the beginning) 24 hours a day at home. Anyone else with such problems? I am told I must wait another 3 or 4 months before they can attempt to repair them; am on ice chips and bits of shaved sugar-free popsicle by mouth because one of the fistulas is off the RYN. Thanks, Jennie

Oh Jennie,, I am sending you a great big (((HUG))) & my prayers that you will be over this soon. I have never experienced anything like that, but wanted you to know I/we care. Please do EVERYTHING the Dr. says, & you will be better in no time. Sending an to watch over you, ((((hugs)))) Ellen

Jennie, Im so glad to see u are able to post again. I had been so worried about u and I emailed u several times. Finally Dan informed us u had further surgerys and treatments. Ive kept u in my prayers. I was so sorry to hear u have had such a hard time. I finally had my surgery in July but I didnt have an open...so no fistulas. Keep healing Mariah

oh gosh, hope your on the mend...Ed had the TPN but only over night.....amazing one lesson how to do it, was all it took...Ed also had pic lines....but all his issues were due to the ulcer.......Prayers for you to be on the mend

Jennie- You are at the top of my prayer list. I did not have fistuals - I had lap RNY, but I do know the TPN routine. I was on TPN for the 13 days I spent in the hospital. I had a leak and then an infection as a result fo the leak, so I was TPN and nothing by mouth for 3 full days and then again for 5 full days. i wasn't even allowed ice chips. I tell you this only to let you know I understand to some degree what you are dealing with. I was really down some days and I am sure you are as well. Please know you are in my prayers, that it will get better and with time you will forget how trying all of this was to deal with. Lisa 351/227/143

Jennie I am so glad that you are back on here posting again. I want to tell you one thing, you have one wonderful husband. Tom has to be a great inspiration to you. I also feel your faith and trust in God has seen you thru this very difficult time. I still have your goodie bag here at the house and now that I know you are up and about I will get over to Converse and deliver it to you. Will give you a call next week and make arrangements. Ann wants to come over to Converse and visit the cemetary there since here relatives are burried there. Hope you will be able to get to come back to support group meetings here in Kokomo. In fact I am getting ready to head over there right now. You continue to be in our prayers. Dan