Diverticulitis...infection spread to fallopian tube and uterus?!? - Bowel Disorders Message Board

rocklockaby · 08-03-2006, 05:09 PM

My mom is 44yrs old...has been taking some anti-depression pills for about 1yr now to help cope with some traumatic situations. While taking these she never had a normal bowel movement again and so the Dr.'s always suggested a stool softner (never thinking it could have been anything underlying). This week she went to see her new Dr. in Birmingham,AL as she just moved there in February, he automatically said it was diverticulitis - thus prescribing her antibiotics and pain killers. But he suggested she come in for a catscan to get a closer look.

Today she did the catscan and they called her within 1hr from her leaving the office, the radiologist said not only did she have a SEVERE case of diverticulitis but she also had an infection in her left fallopian tube and on the left side of her uterus?!?!? She's going to see the gynocologist in the morning but I wanted to ask if any other women have had this problem - IF SO...HOW HAVE YOU COPED??? AND WHAT WOULD CAUSE IT???

I can't imagine anyone could have put up with this pain for so long, wouldn't it take a while for the infection to spread to her reproductive organs??

Thanks - Amanda

quincy · 08-04-2006, 12:56 AM

Hi....I don't think that the diverticulosis infection would have anything to do with the fallopian tube/uterus infection unless her bowel was perforated.

She might have pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Hopefully, the gyne-doc take a swab to see what type of infection it is.

Did your mom recently have a tubal pregnancy or a miscarriage?
Does she use an intrauterine device for birth control?

I agree that she would be in horrific pain, but it's good that the doc sent her for a CAT and now whe will be able to get treatment.

Let us know the outcome.

quincy

MrsQueeZ · 08-04-2006, 03:47 AM

The exact same thing happened to a colleague of mine at work, minus the uterus. The inflamed bowel can attach to about any organ in your lower abdomen, causing a fistula, where fecal matter can pass into the organ, such as bladder or uterus. In her case, she didn't know all of this was going on until she was in the hospital with an emergency. She didn't have a perforation into the abdominal cavity because the fistula area was like a bubble. It can be a serious, life threatening situation, and I am glad your mom is getting the care she needs. The lady at work didn't have to have a hysterectomy, just removal of one ovary and attached fallopian tube, because her uterus wasn't involved. Your mother may have to have a duel hysterectomy/colon resection, which is what I had!! For me, it was because I had diverticulitis, and in the process of CT scans, they discovered my uterus was so huge they didn't think they could do the colon resection safely unless they got the uterus out of the way!! So I had both surgeries at the same time, which I guess isn't too common. My doctors had never done both, I had 2 surgeons, taking turns. I don't think my recovery was any worse than having either separate procedure...about a 6 week recovery. I was fortunate to be able to take 8 weeks! I think the hysterectomy part of my surgery has been more to deal with because of the hormone issues I have had. My colon recovery was uneventful. I will be checking in if you have questions about it all!! (bringing back memories of all the doctor visits and coordination!) Waiting is the worst part!!! God Bless!!!

Renata

rocklockaby · 08-04-2006, 08:33 AM

Well thank you both for your assistance. She's on her way to the gyno now.

About her history:

In January 2006 after having my little brother she had her tubes tied...since then she's had an endometrial ablation about 2 yrs ago (they used the balloon to rid the lining of her uterus) she hasn't had a menstral cycle since (which is common) The reason for this was that her uterus was enlarged - the dr said it was probably from her age + having had 3 kids vaginally. 1yr ago she was raped but there didn't appear to be any complications after that as she had a regular pap-smear within a few days after that happened. HOWEVER - since the rape she was prescribed 1st WellbutrinXL and then Cymbalta, both of which she thought were causing constipation, therefore the Dr suggested the stool softners. But now, we're wondering if it wasn't the diverticulitis all along?!?

rocklockaby · 08-04-2006, 11:04 AM

UPDATE -

The gynocologist found it was in fact the uterus being infected. Apparently when a Dr. does the ablasion, not only do they burn off the lining of the uterus, but they also end up burning the blood flow to the fibroids. They in turn are dying and causing the uterus to deterierate and get infected. Thus irritating the fallopian tube and the colon.

They are going to remove the entire uterus (but since it's so swollen it will have to be done with an incision in the stomach and not through the belly button).