melelina4148
12-13-2008, 05:31 PM
I am experiencing severe low back pain (lumbar area) along with pain in the left lower quadrant of my abdomen. I've had this pain for 5 weeks and had a colonoscopy 3 weeks ago which showed diverticulitis (sigmoid) and universal tics. I'm apprehensive re analgesics which may lead to constipation. The pain is never completely relieved by Acetomenaphen. I had a 7 day course of Cipro and felt much better for 5 days. Then the pain started again. On a scale of 1 to 10 it's right up there at times.
Any suggestions for effective analgesic?
Has anyone suffering from Diverticulitis experienced the back pain?
Any suggestions for effective analgesic?
Has anyone suffering from Diverticulitis experienced the back pain?
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libloom
12-13-2008, 09:00 PM
Hi....
Are you sure you're dealing with Diverticulitis...and not Diverticulosis. Are you seeing a gastroenterologist? Do you have a fever and nausea along with the pain?
I'm surprised a CT scan with contrast wasn't ordered. I would think if you have Diverticulitis, a colonoscopy would be rather risky. If there's an abcess in your colon, there's a higher risk of perforation due to inflammation.
Please, if you are in as much pain as you describe, head to the ER. You may have needed a longer course of antibiotic (no Flagyl?). As for pain meds, you may want to try an anti-inflammatory (Motrin) but, seriously, don't delay in seeing a specialist or heading to the hospital. An infection in the colon is serious business.
Good luck and keep us posted,
Linda
Are you sure you're dealing with Diverticulitis...and not Diverticulosis. Are you seeing a gastroenterologist? Do you have a fever and nausea along with the pain?
I'm surprised a CT scan with contrast wasn't ordered. I would think if you have Diverticulitis, a colonoscopy would be rather risky. If there's an abcess in your colon, there's a higher risk of perforation due to inflammation.
Please, if you are in as much pain as you describe, head to the ER. You may have needed a longer course of antibiotic (no Flagyl?). As for pain meds, you may want to try an anti-inflammatory (Motrin) but, seriously, don't delay in seeing a specialist or heading to the hospital. An infection in the colon is serious business.
Good luck and keep us posted,
Linda
teddysue
12-15-2008, 09:55 PM
I have had diverticulitus for over 2 yrs. now or they also call it diverticulto too. I was in the hospital for 7 days, because the colon had been penatrated and I could have died from the poison going though my system..go to the hospital and have them check this ASAP
I am still having attacks, after2 yrs..the pain is so bad at times I just want to crawl up and die.. I eat fiber,fiber,fiber as explained to me that is the cause of this not enough fiber..but I also have to watch everything I eat.
I can tolerate brown fiber but not green. It's just an awful way to live but I have gotten use to it or I end up in pain.
I also have spoken with people about having surgery and having part of the bad colon removed, (which I would have to have a colonostomy bag for a while) then they replace everything when all is healed and they had no more pain.
I am really considering having this done, but it is a big step to take. Please get a 2nd opinion as this very serious.
I am still having attacks, after2 yrs..the pain is so bad at times I just want to crawl up and die.. I eat fiber,fiber,fiber as explained to me that is the cause of this not enough fiber..but I also have to watch everything I eat.
I can tolerate brown fiber but not green. It's just an awful way to live but I have gotten use to it or I end up in pain.
I also have spoken with people about having surgery and having part of the bad colon removed, (which I would have to have a colonostomy bag for a while) then they replace everything when all is healed and they had no more pain.
I am really considering having this done, but it is a big step to take. Please get a 2nd opinion as this very serious.
auntjudyg
12-16-2008, 02:31 PM
Oh, goodness. Everybody hears different things and it can be confusing.
From what I have heard and read, diverticulosis is the condition of having pouches (diverticuli) in the colon; diverticulitis is the often painful (as you well know) condition of diverticuli becoming infected.
I agree that if the pain has recurred, a call to your doctor is in order. Also, now that diverticulitis has been diagnosed, you need to be in touch with your doctor any time you are having abdominal pains with fever.
Once you get the diverticulitis under control, I presume dietary changes were recommended, weren't they? Increase fiber SLOWLY, though, or you will have a new experience in uncomfortable, painful cramping. Some people go many years without further attacks just by making dietary changes. But if attacks keep coming back more frequently, a bowel resection will probably be recommended by your physician.
I had one, made dietary changes, and a colonoscopy last year (6 years after the operation) showed no diverticuli.
And, Yes, many people experience diverticulitis pain as back pain (both with and without accompanying abdominal pain . . . though usually with).
From what I have heard and read, diverticulosis is the condition of having pouches (diverticuli) in the colon; diverticulitis is the often painful (as you well know) condition of diverticuli becoming infected.
I agree that if the pain has recurred, a call to your doctor is in order. Also, now that diverticulitis has been diagnosed, you need to be in touch with your doctor any time you are having abdominal pains with fever.
Once you get the diverticulitis under control, I presume dietary changes were recommended, weren't they? Increase fiber SLOWLY, though, or you will have a new experience in uncomfortable, painful cramping. Some people go many years without further attacks just by making dietary changes. But if attacks keep coming back more frequently, a bowel resection will probably be recommended by your physician.
I had one, made dietary changes, and a colonoscopy last year (6 years after the operation) showed no diverticuli.
And, Yes, many people experience diverticulitis pain as back pain (both with and without accompanying abdominal pain . . . though usually with).
peacefrog
12-26-2008, 06:27 PM
My first bout of what I now know to be diverticulitis started as an awful back pain, so don't disregard any symptom when speaking to your dr. Having had stomach pain and diarrhea for years,I had no idea it was anything serious. I had IV antibioitcs for a week and felt better, then a week later serious pain! If you know you have diverticuli, always get checked. A scan with contrast is the best diagnostic tool. Get one.
gaugreg1x
12-27-2008, 05:17 PM
Maybe your case is unusual, however, if the colectomy (removal of the sigmoid colon in its entirety, or partially) is done electively (not as an emergency surgery due to bowel perforation) , a colostomy, even temporarily, should not be necessary. I had the surgery done 3 years ago after having repeated bouts of diverticulitis over a 6 month period and a colsotmy was not needed.
Greg
I also have spoken with people about having surgery and having part of the bad colon removed, (which I would have to have a colonostomy bag for a while) then they replace everything when all is healed and they had no more pain.
I am really considering having this done, but it is a big step to take. Please get a 2nd opinion as this very serious.
Greg
I also have spoken with people about having surgery and having part of the bad colon removed, (which I would have to have a colonostomy bag for a while) then they replace everything when all is healed and they had no more pain.
I am really considering having this done, but it is a big step to take. Please get a 2nd opinion as this very serious.
Kinselmom
12-28-2008, 03:06 AM
I agree with Greg. I had my first severe bout with diverticulitis about 16 months ago. Since June I have had 7 episodes. I would take an antibiotic combo, usually Flagyl plus Cipro or Levaquin, the symptoms would subside, only to recur a few weeks later. I am scheduled for a laproscopic sigmoid colectomy on Jan 7th. Because it is being done electively instead of waiting til it becomes an emergency situation I will not have a colostomy. Of course, if there are any unexpected complications it IS a possibility but a remote one. I highly recommend being proactive and taking care of the problem NOW while it is manageable, instead of waiting til there is a perforation or obstruction where sepsis is a very real risk! Besides that, having it done on an emergency basis would require a long incision down the abdomen. Doing it electively it can be done laproscopicly with just a few small incisions.
gaugreg1x
12-28-2008, 12:28 PM
Sounds like you are making the right decision, as you have put up with diverticulitis attacks longer than I did. I wish you the best and please keep us posted as to your progress. Greg
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Lynntlc
02-24-2009, 07:53 PM
I was diagnosed with Div. in Oct 2008. The pain was so bad I couldn't eat for a week. I don't know how people cope with this disease for years; I could barely make it 3 months. I must have had it for a while, but I didn’t have any symptoms until I got an infection. We tried antibiotics first, and by December, after continuous pain and a 50lb weight loss, I knew something else would be needed. I had the surgery in Jan 09 and six weeks later I'm fine.
The important thing is to make sure they don't do the surgery on an emergency basis. If it gets to that point, then you may end up with a bag, but if it's planned in advance (with a good doctor) you may be able to avoid the unfortunate consequences. The important thing is not to wait too long if you are having multiple episodes.
The important thing is to make sure they don't do the surgery on an emergency basis. If it gets to that point, then you may end up with a bag, but if it's planned in advance (with a good doctor) you may be able to avoid the unfortunate consequences. The important thing is not to wait too long if you are having multiple episodes.
dolores diaz
05-30-2009, 12:21 AM
I have been suffering with on going pain for about a year fron deverticulitis. my Dr. has had me on cipro, flagyl which helped a little. went to see my sergeon in severe pain he put me on clindamycin or cleocin and for the first time in about 6 months the pain is pretty much gone but he says the other antibiotics probably never completly got rid of the infection. He says I still need the surgery because I have lots of diverticulosis. does anyone else have very severe constipation, also when I eat if feels like a brick hit my stomach, it feels like its just sitting there and not moving at all.
dolores diaz
05-30-2009, 12:24 AM
I am scared to death to have the surgery. Dr thinks I might have a stricture also. can you tell me about the surgery
goggyween46
06-01-2009, 02:59 AM
Hello, my last post was 8-08 and it is now 5-09 and still the same thing is happening. I get my period and a diver attack as well. THis is the 2nd month in a row. They can not find out why. I have had an abdominal and trans vaginal ultrasound and they say the do not think it has anything to do with my cycle. I will go again tomorrow and have them do a CT Scan. This is getting REALLY annoying. Will try to keep you posted, oh yeh, I have had an attack 4 times over the past 4 years and now I have had a 2nd one two months in a row. Goggy
lilcee
06-01-2009, 11:12 AM
I've been having abdominal pain, back aches, pain up into my ribs and down into my hips. I've been to the Dr, Er, Chiropractor. No one seems to be able to help me. I have an appointment with my Gasteroligist on Wed. I have diverticulosis and he thinks I may be on the verge of diverticulitis. Has anyone else had the pain go into the ribs and hips? I feel nauseus and dizzy today and lots of pain. Also, I've been having a problem going to the bathroom (haven't gone in 3 days and when I did, it wasn't much).