denblue99
09-25-2003, 08:57 PM
I am scheduled for laporoscopic colon resection surgery, due to diverticulitis attacks.. I am curious if anyone that has had this surgery, had any complications from it,or has heard anything about the bowell not healing correctly. I am getting all kinds of mixed feelings about this surgery and am not sure if I am going to go through with it.
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duffy24
09-26-2003, 12:25 AM
I had laproscopic colon resection done on July 3l. I too was very nervous and almost cancelled the surgery, especially because I was not really having much pain but had a blockage. However, everything went much better than I could have imagined. I had the surgery done on a Thursday and went home from the hospital on Sunday. The pain was not bad at all. My only complaint is that I still have occasional dull pain. I see my doctor on Monday for my second visit since the surgery and will see what he says about that. Good luck with your surgery.
sirii
09-26-2003, 02:45 AM
Hi,I am also sheduled for laparoscopic bowel resection(27th of October) and same as you are I am worried heaps.I do think I need the surgery,because I had 9times antibioticks and once hospital stay.
I would love to hear from peaple who had the surgery.Did you have more diverticulitis attacks after the surgery,what about the bowel movement,does it get back to some sort of normality? Any advice or thought would be appriciated.
I am so thankful to you people for all your questions and answers,because none of my friends have this problem and it's so good to "talk" to someone about it.
all the best to everyone
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may you be well and happy
I would love to hear from peaple who had the surgery.Did you have more diverticulitis attacks after the surgery,what about the bowel movement,does it get back to some sort of normality? Any advice or thought would be appriciated.
I am so thankful to you people for all your questions and answers,because none of my friends have this problem and it's so good to "talk" to someone about it.
all the best to everyone
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may you be well and happy
auntjudyg
09-26-2003, 05:59 PM
You are lucky (if that's really possible in this situation) to be having the laparoscopic surgery. My doctor was telling me that some people get back to work in about 2 weeks. I had the full incision and the recovery was lengthy, but that was the only way they could do it in my case.
The BMs certainly do get back to normal, and it varies, of course, but it is pretty quick. I was pretty much back to normal (it's been a couple of years so my memory is fading) definitely within 10 days, I think it was more like a week. The first couple were largely bile and burned a little. Then it was a little liquidy for a couple of days. Then just a little loose.
I have not had an attack since; and it is now over 3 years. I am really careful about keeping my fiber level up, drinking water, eating yogurt, etc.
It is nice to talk with people about this, isn't it? You really can't just bring it up in normal conversation. The only flesh and blood people I discuss it with have had something similar (it was amazing how suddenly you kind of find each other!).
Good luck! It ought to be just fine. I think the worst part will probably by recoverying from anesthesia (you can't live without it, but I hate that stuff) and, of course, the "prep"!
The BMs certainly do get back to normal, and it varies, of course, but it is pretty quick. I was pretty much back to normal (it's been a couple of years so my memory is fading) definitely within 10 days, I think it was more like a week. The first couple were largely bile and burned a little. Then it was a little liquidy for a couple of days. Then just a little loose.
I have not had an attack since; and it is now over 3 years. I am really careful about keeping my fiber level up, drinking water, eating yogurt, etc.
It is nice to talk with people about this, isn't it? You really can't just bring it up in normal conversation. The only flesh and blood people I discuss it with have had something similar (it was amazing how suddenly you kind of find each other!).
Good luck! It ought to be just fine. I think the worst part will probably by recoverying from anesthesia (you can't live without it, but I hate that stuff) and, of course, the "prep"!
denblue99
09-26-2003, 11:41 PM
How many diverticulitis attacks should I have before I should have surgery. I have had 2, 1 hospitilized and one with oral antibiotics only. Felt fine after about 3 weeks the second time. My dr says surgery, and i am scheduled for it on the 8th of oct. but I think I am going to cancel it. After reading this message board, and extensive research, it seems to me that most people have it after 3,4,5,6.... attacks. My condition is such that I have 3 1/2 inches of sigmoid colon with extensive diverticulosis and have had only minor diverticulitis attacks. Is this alot? Will it get worse? Does it spread? Can it come back after surgery???
[This message has been edited by denblue99 (edited 09-26-2003).]
[This message has been edited by denblue99 (edited 09-26-2003).]
sirii
09-27-2003, 01:36 AM
Hi denblue99,I wish I could answer all your questions,but I am seeking answers myself. What my doctor and surgen told me - because of number of attacks I had and my age 50(relatively young- according to my doctor :-)) I should have the surgery. I would sugest to you to have a second opinion!!!
It's hard to make decision for you isn't it,you don't feel that great and all that presure. I am thinking of you,hope everything goes well for you!
Take a moment,listen to your "gut feeling" and it will come to you.Good luck.
auntjudyg,thanks for the encouragement ,I hate anestesia too,it feels like I am giving up all my power,I am worried if I'll be the same after I wake up.
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may you be well and happy
It's hard to make decision for you isn't it,you don't feel that great and all that presure. I am thinking of you,hope everything goes well for you!
Take a moment,listen to your "gut feeling" and it will come to you.Good luck.
auntjudyg,thanks for the encouragement ,I hate anestesia too,it feels like I am giving up all my power,I am worried if I'll be the same after I wake up.
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may you be well and happy
Harry
09-27-2003, 02:19 AM
You know you can never tell about future health problems. You may need a blood thinner in the future. And, with diverticulars they could start bleeding anytime and your may need emergency surgery.
I was on a drug --Plavix( Non clotting Drug) for 6 months and started bleeding one night and lost about half my blood before the doc in the ER gave me a Vitamin K-- 10 grams shot. 3 weeks later I started bleeding again and had 2 1/2 feet of my colon removed. That was March 4, 2002. I'm doing OK now but the recovery from anemia, and the surgery was certainly difficult.
If you can have the part of your colon that contains the diverticulars removed --- I strongly suggest DO IT.
With LAP surgery the possibility of adhesions is greatly reduced.
I would be curious about how the 2 sections of colon are connected back together. Mine was done with a machine that uses titanium-- non-magnetic -- in case of possible future MRIs !!!
After everything is done --do make sure you take a water soluble fiber supplement like Metamucil so you never ever get constipated again--- which is the major reason you have the Divers!!!
God Bless---Harry
I was on a drug --Plavix( Non clotting Drug) for 6 months and started bleeding one night and lost about half my blood before the doc in the ER gave me a Vitamin K-- 10 grams shot. 3 weeks later I started bleeding again and had 2 1/2 feet of my colon removed. That was March 4, 2002. I'm doing OK now but the recovery from anemia, and the surgery was certainly difficult.
If you can have the part of your colon that contains the diverticulars removed --- I strongly suggest DO IT.
With LAP surgery the possibility of adhesions is greatly reduced.
I would be curious about how the 2 sections of colon are connected back together. Mine was done with a machine that uses titanium-- non-magnetic -- in case of possible future MRIs !!!
After everything is done --do make sure you take a water soluble fiber supplement like Metamucil so you never ever get constipated again--- which is the major reason you have the Divers!!!
God Bless---Harry
auntjudyg
09-27-2003, 12:11 PM
There is some room for individual preferences when it comes to the timing of (or whether to have) the surgery. Some want it done right away, some want to stick it out and see whether dietary changes alone will take care of things.
If you continue eating the same way, etc., yes, it will probably spread and get worse. I have run into some people on the internet who claim they got things under control with dietary changes (more fiber, water, probiotics, etc.).
It can definitely come back after surgery, again, if you do not change eating habits.
Sorry, no definite answers, just food for thought (or more confusion!).
If you continue eating the same way, etc., yes, it will probably spread and get worse. I have run into some people on the internet who claim they got things under control with dietary changes (more fiber, water, probiotics, etc.).
It can definitely come back after surgery, again, if you do not change eating habits.
Sorry, no definite answers, just food for thought (or more confusion!).
denblue99
09-27-2003, 11:57 PM
Thanks everyone for your input. It helps. I have learned more about this condition from these message boards and my own research than from any Dr. I did get a second opinion and he said he felt that my condition was such that it didn`t warrant surgery at this time. He said that under the current surgical guidelines,his own experience,and the risks associated with the surgery vs the risks of my current condition,that I should have 2 hospitalizations and an unmanageable pain before he would recommend surgery. Its strange to me that I even have this condition. I am 37, have always eaten relativly healthy,and have never had problems with constipation. I think this condition just happens to some of us. I realize that high fiber and all that, can possibly prevent it,but I honestly think that it just happens. Still thinking of having the surgery. Just scared I guess. Thanks Harry, and evryone else for your support. I`l keep ya posted.
judijudijudi
10-10-2003, 05:33 PM
Howdy,
I just found this message board today. I am scheduled for an open colon resection on Oct. 27th. I am scared to death. Frankly, I fear the recovery more than the surgery.
Any advice? Thanks. ...Judi...
I just found this message board today. I am scheduled for an open colon resection on Oct. 27th. I am scared to death. Frankly, I fear the recovery more than the surgery.
Any advice? Thanks. ...Judi...
sirii
10-10-2003, 11:21 PM
Hi Judi, my surgery is on the same day! only on the different continent and as I wrote above I am bit scared too. How many times you had diverticulitis?
Good luck with your recovery!
And I hope we could share some info after the surgery.
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may you be well and happy
Good luck with your recovery!
And I hope we could share some info after the surgery.
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may you be well and happy
ken1967
10-11-2003, 01:58 AM
I'm 36 and had my first attack of diverticulitis in May/03, was put on Cipro and Flagyl on and off had 2 abdominal cat scans done and a colonostomy, I had severe abdominal pains on Sept 11th and went to the emergency room and was told I needed emergency colon resection surgery due to a perferated sigmoid colon,the surgeon said he took out the diverticulits and in 3 months I will go back and have the procedure reversed, I now have a temporary colostomy bag, the surgery went well, I was in the hospital for 10 days, I was sore from the incision and all but I'm now home and recovering, I never really ate very healthy and I'm now paying the price,I will now need to eat healtheir and have more fiber, exercise, and take care of myself, if any of you have had this 2 surgery resection please let me know what to expect after the resection???
[This message has been edited by moderator4 (edited 10-13-2003).]
[This message has been edited by moderator4 (edited 10-13-2003).]
auntjudyg
10-11-2003, 02:05 PM
If any of you are having the surgery laproscopically I hear the recover is really not too bad. I had the ful incision - temporary colostomy and reconnection what ended up being 5 months later.
The surgery is not minor. Make as many preparations as you can before (grocery shopping, bill paying, cooking and freezing some stuff, etc., anything coming up for the next couple of months). If anyone lives alone, make every effort to make arrangements for some help in the first couple of weeks you are home. Even if it is just a friend stopping by the make at least one meal a day. (The first couple of days home, you will most probably exhaust all your excess energy just getting to and from the bathroom, so plan on not doing much more than that - you need any other energy for healing.)
Those ab******l muscles that get cut are a major support for your back, so you really have to watch straining yourself for a couple of months.
My surgery was emergency also. It was a big wake up call to change my ways, which I have. I had a colonoscopy two years after the surgery (last year) and so far there is no recurrence. But the doctor warned me not to backslide.
I hope everything goes well with everyone. Put as positive a spin on it as you can - it's no walk in the park, but it's not heart surgery, it's not cancer, it is not terribly painful, it could be a whole lot worse. You'll all get through just fine. Just don't push yourselves and you will bounce back!
The surgery is not minor. Make as many preparations as you can before (grocery shopping, bill paying, cooking and freezing some stuff, etc., anything coming up for the next couple of months). If anyone lives alone, make every effort to make arrangements for some help in the first couple of weeks you are home. Even if it is just a friend stopping by the make at least one meal a day. (The first couple of days home, you will most probably exhaust all your excess energy just getting to and from the bathroom, so plan on not doing much more than that - you need any other energy for healing.)
Those ab******l muscles that get cut are a major support for your back, so you really have to watch straining yourself for a couple of months.
My surgery was emergency also. It was a big wake up call to change my ways, which I have. I had a colonoscopy two years after the surgery (last year) and so far there is no recurrence. But the doctor warned me not to backslide.
I hope everything goes well with everyone. Put as positive a spin on it as you can - it's no walk in the park, but it's not heart surgery, it's not cancer, it is not terribly painful, it could be a whole lot worse. You'll all get through just fine. Just don't push yourselves and you will bounce back!
sirii
10-12-2003, 03:26 AM
Thanks so much auntjudyg for your advice!
All the best!
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may you be well and happy
All the best!
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may you be well and happy
auntjudyg
10-12-2003, 07:06 PM
Why is the program bleeping a b d o m i n a l? Is there some new naughty word I don't know about?
sirii
10-13-2003, 07:07 AM
Hi,I am back to "cry on your shoulders". I got a letter from hospital this morning my operation is posponed from 27.10. to 10.11. As I am in public system,I cann't do much about it.
Not happy!
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may you be well and happy
Not happy!
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may you be well and happy
auntjudyg
10-14-2003, 10:40 AM
Oh, sirii, that's cruel. As if the first wait wasn't enough. Do you have socialized medicine down under?
Well . . . at least it does not take anywhere near as long recoverying from the laparoscopy. I have a 60-something friend who had a hernia repair laparoscopically a couple of weeks agoe and went home the same day! (Though the doctor wanted her to stay overnight.) She was back at work in a week. (I'm not sure I would want to go back to work in a week after all the anticipation and everything, though.)
Well . . . at least it does not take anywhere near as long recoverying from the laparoscopy. I have a 60-something friend who had a hernia repair laparoscopically a couple of weeks agoe and went home the same day! (Though the doctor wanted her to stay overnight.) She was back at work in a week. (I'm not sure I would want to go back to work in a week after all the anticipation and everything, though.)
Lerxst
10-14-2003, 02:21 PM
I had mine done Sept. 12th - laprascopically - 18 inches.
Still abit tender at times, incision sites feel fine and plumbing works great. I go for follow-up on Halloween and hopefully all will continue fine.
I do notice pain after eating steak, but outside of that feel fine. occasional straining to have a BM - but only when I forget to take a softener.
I went in on a Fri and was out on Monday and back to work a week later. I definitely think Laprascopic is the way to go - if you have that option.
Still abit tender at times, incision sites feel fine and plumbing works great. I go for follow-up on Halloween and hopefully all will continue fine.
I do notice pain after eating steak, but outside of that feel fine. occasional straining to have a BM - but only when I forget to take a softener.
I went in on a Fri and was out on Monday and back to work a week later. I definitely think Laprascopic is the way to go - if you have that option.
auntjudyg
10-14-2003, 03:36 PM
Lerxst, yeah, now that you mention, I had trouble with meat for a couple of months after mine.
sirii
10-15-2003, 05:31 AM
auntjudyg,yeah lots of times it looks like socialized medicine down here.
Thanks for cheering me up!!!
Lerxst,thanks for the info,every little bit helps.
I started thinking about not having the surgery,maybe it's a Universe's way to show me not to have it done.
Maybe I should try to manage it with more fibre.To tell you the truth I wasn't very careful about my diet even after my third attack. Any thoughts?
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may you be well and happy
Thanks for cheering me up!!!
Lerxst,thanks for the info,every little bit helps.
I started thinking about not having the surgery,maybe it's a Universe's way to show me not to have it done.
Maybe I should try to manage it with more fibre.To tell you the truth I wasn't very careful about my diet even after my third attack. Any thoughts?
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may you be well and happy
auntjudyg
10-15-2003, 10:14 AM
sirii, I would be thinking the same thing. Unfortunately, I can't offer too much first hand experience on that matter . . . my first really bad attack lead to the ER and the resection and I have been very careful since with no recurrence. So, I started again with a clean slate, so to speak.
Over on Andrew Weil's website there are a couple of people who have managed diverticulitis with diet and encourage people strongly to reconsider surgery. Hopefully they are still around. (I don't go over there regularly because for some reason my computer always gets hung up and it takes so long to negotiate the site.)
Over on Andrew Weil's website there are a couple of people who have managed diverticulitis with diet and encourage people strongly to reconsider surgery. Hopefully they are still around. (I don't go over there regularly because for some reason my computer always gets hung up and it takes so long to negotiate the site.)
kbobo
10-16-2003, 10:55 AM
I am 46 years old. After mis diagnosis and several attacks I had a laproscopic sigmoid resection. I was in the hospital for 4 days and walking a couple of miles a week later ( I was an avid runner prior to all of this) I am recovering although still get very tired and quite sore if I do too much. I coach and it is very physical.
I still get burning in my colon and meats do not feel really good.
I am thankful to have come across this site and to have hooked up with a great surgeon.
Any advice to help things along. I had a post op but am now on my own. I guess I am going to get a new GI as the last one really missed the boat for a while.
Good luck to all of you. The worry is worse than the operation. I am looking forward to putting this all behind me (no pun intended)
I still get burning in my colon and meats do not feel really good.
I am thankful to have come across this site and to have hooked up with a great surgeon.
Any advice to help things along. I had a post op but am now on my own. I guess I am going to get a new GI as the last one really missed the boat for a while.
Good luck to all of you. The worry is worse than the operation. I am looking forward to putting this all behind me (no pun intended)
Sonshine808
10-18-2003, 10:47 PM
I am having alot of pain in my lower left side with numbness there and in my upper leg. I have IBS and sometimes have spasmic colon.
I hurt just sitting , getting in/out of the car, sneezing, bending over and laying on my side.
Does this sound like Diverticulitis?
I hurt just sitting , getting in/out of the car, sneezing, bending over and laying on my side.
Does this sound like Diverticulitis?
sirii
10-19-2003, 02:13 AM
Sonshine808, I can only tell you what I experienced.
I did have similar symptoms you have plus chills and fever,but I didn't have a pain into my leg like you do. If I were you I would see a doctor,if it is Diverticulitis you need antibioticks asap.
Hope you get it sorted and feel better soon.
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may you be well and happy
I did have similar symptoms you have plus chills and fever,but I didn't have a pain into my leg like you do. If I were you I would see a doctor,if it is Diverticulitis you need antibioticks asap.
Hope you get it sorted and feel better soon.
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may you be well and happy
auntjudyg
10-20-2003, 10:46 AM
So many of the symptoms for digestive disorders overlap, so it is always hard to say, even for doctors sometimes. Lower left side pain is one of the classic symptoms of diverticulitis, though.
b51kitty
10-22-2003, 04:42 PM
I too had colon resecion in March this year. I had been going to doctors who thought the pain was in my hip, only I quit going because I knew it wasn't my hip. The pain would spread downward toward groin and into upper left leg. I had cat scan and an MRI 6 mos. prior and all was ok. After 2 trips to emergency room and one stay for 4 days on Morphine, it was determined I had severe diverticulitis-even possibly had some ruptures. Apparently had had it for a very long time. (don't see why no one saw this in MRI/Cat Scan..) I had no constipation but changes in bowel habits and had told several doctors-but they never said anything. I personally didn't think it was that bad. They could not do surgery for 4 months as I had a very bad lung infection, asthma and alot of coughing. Eventually I was well enough and had it done. It was very scarey and the worse operation ever. I was in hospital 6 days. I had the full operation and was very scared. I thought I'd walk out of there with a bag. On the 5th night, I started working and I was relieved. I was all twisted inside and my left ovary and colon had adhered together, my white count was 38,000 and it was worse than he ever imagined. They took the ovary out -that was beyond infection, still after 4 months on antibiotics, but no cancer, and everything else was ok. He said I was one lucky girl. I went back to work in 1 months time, and have felt better now than I have in a few years. I worry that I may not be eating right nor taking in enough fiber so am now taking the metamucil tablets. That helps. I do not want to have that operation done again in 10 nor 15 years. Can anyone tell me what type of foods they are eating high in fiber? and anything else I can do to prevent this again? thanks.
auntjudyg
10-22-2003, 08:25 PM
b51kitty, After ALL that, you went back to work in one month??!?!?! God bless you, I hope they value you!
I won't ask indelicate questions, but I know there are still plenty of doctors who think only people 60 and over get diverticulitis, and they will look at ANYthing else first. I am surprised about the CT and MRI not showing it. From other posters I thought they were supposed to. But I also have heard of other people who really sound like they have diverticulitis saying their doctors ruled it out based on CT.
Anyway, I know many people first think of bran/whole grains to increase fiber - and indeed, a relatively small amount of some products can give a lot of fiber - but I find very much of that irritating on my system. I eat many more veggies and some fruits to increase fiber (they all have some, so it adds up) - green leafies like kale, collards, spinach, chard have a fair amount [five years ago I never would have imagined myself eating green leafie stuff every day]; romaine lettuce; cucumber; broccoli; cauliflower; green beans. Some of the starchier veggies also have a fair amount - legumes, winter squash.
I won't ask indelicate questions, but I know there are still plenty of doctors who think only people 60 and over get diverticulitis, and they will look at ANYthing else first. I am surprised about the CT and MRI not showing it. From other posters I thought they were supposed to. But I also have heard of other people who really sound like they have diverticulitis saying their doctors ruled it out based on CT.
Anyway, I know many people first think of bran/whole grains to increase fiber - and indeed, a relatively small amount of some products can give a lot of fiber - but I find very much of that irritating on my system. I eat many more veggies and some fruits to increase fiber (they all have some, so it adds up) - green leafies like kale, collards, spinach, chard have a fair amount [five years ago I never would have imagined myself eating green leafie stuff every day]; romaine lettuce; cucumber; broccoli; cauliflower; green beans. Some of the starchier veggies also have a fair amount - legumes, winter squash.
b51kitty
10-23-2003, 12:33 PM
Thanks AuntJudyg for the info. Since I love fruits and vegetables I don't see a prob. but I do need to eat more of those. I still find myself in my old routine-my love for sweets. I definately am a meat eater at supper time and find it hard to sit down to a salad, but am trying more to include that. I had never heard of this operation till I had one. I am glad I found this site. Yes, you would think I would of had severe stomach pains. I had no pains in my stomach whatsoever, mostly my groin and esp. my left leg. It was the worst pain ever. I am so glad to not have that anymore. 4 months after the surgery, while at work, I noticed I kept getting a burning sensation, same place, in left groin area. I did not like that feeling. I stopped my nightly ritual of my nutty buddies (now I scrape off all nuts) and no corn or popcorn whatsoever. That has seemed to help. I then went and bought the Metamucil tablets. It has subsided since and I was worried that I may need to go back to the Dr. again. Yes, you would think the MRI would of shown that-esp. if I had it a long time as the Dr. said. I hated going to the Drs. as they would say, "well, hows your hip today?" I kept telling them it was NOT my hip. One Dr. wanted me to go see a specialist for possible hip replacement. Of course, I never went. I realize that doctors can do just so much, but you would of thought someone would of found it before then. I feel none of them really "listened". I think my symptoms were perhaps different than the norm - which is par for me.
Yes, I will try to include more fiber for sure.
Yes, I will try to include more fiber for sure.
djk
10-24-2003, 11:29 PM
I was in severe pain and was taken to the emergency room. They did urine, blood, CT and x-ray the first night found nothing. Then they told me I was not sick enough to be admitted to the hospital that night so they sent me home. The next day they had me come in and did a sonagram and a transvaginal. They then told me that I had a cyst 3" to 4" inches big and that I should go to my doctor about having it removed. My doctor checked me and then made arrangements for me to see a gynocolegist. He checked the testings and said that it definitely wasn't a cyst. He then asked if I would like to do an exploritory laprascopy or would I like to see if the pain subsides. (we are talking 6 days by now) And I stated that cancer is prevelant in my family so I think to be on the safe side I would like to have it done. Well I went to see him a week later and he told me that I was very lucky that I chose to have it done because my whole abdomin was covered with adhesions. He stated that he could not see my left ovary until he peeled the adhesions away. He then found a bleeding area and chose not to dig any deeper. He then set it up for me to go to a bowel doctor who told me that I was a mess down there. He stated that it looks like I have had a ruptured diverticulitus pocket. He also told me that I was having all my pain on the right side because my left lower quadrant is flipped over to the right side. I am now scheduled for a colonoscopy on October 31st. He also told me that if it is what he highly suspects that it is (diverticulitus ruptured pocket) that I am so young (47 years) that if I don't have the resection done that I will be looking at alot of health problems in the future. So I thought I would let people know that just because the pain is not on the left side does not mean that it can not be diverticulitus.
Have a nice Day!!
Have a nice Day!!
sirii
10-28-2003, 11:42 PM
denblue99, I wish you let us know how you doing.Hope everything went well with your surgery and you feeling better.
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may you be well and happy
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may you be well and happy