Painful Diverticular Disease - Bowel Disorders Message Board

marzdale · 12-16-2003, 01:37 PM

I posted this question to a few that have had surgery, but thought I would also post for the rest of you ... Any advice greatly appreciated !

Did any of you suffer from painful diverticular disease without having bouts of diverticulitis ?? I have severe diverticular disease throughout the sigmoid area which causes constant pain, with severe pain worsening with bouts of constipation, and when passing stool. I also have a very large diverticuli in my transverse area which causes me trouble in the upper portion of my abdomen.

I have had varying answers from Dr's on how to treat ... from constant laxatives to keep bowl as empty as possible - to having the surgery to remove the sigmoid area ... I've tried the extra fiber, but that made matters worse believe it or not ...

I'm torn on what action to take, but I know I'm tired of the pain ... It's ruling my life instead of me !!

Thanks for any of your vast wisdom ...

unclem · 12-16-2003, 10:04 PM

Hi Marzdale,
I posted this in my surgery update thread as well.
I was in constant pain from it. I had a large tic that would push against the bladder which always caused me some degree of pain. Like you said, I let it rule my life. I can't tell you how many family functions, days of work and such I missed because of the constant discomfort I was in.

Nobody can tell you what action you should take. Listen to your doctors and discuss what they say with family and friends to help you determine the best course of action.

I chose to have elective surgery after suffering for 5 years and as of now, 8 days after surgery, I think it was one of the wisest decisions I've ever made in my life.