deciding whether to have an elective resection

Posted , 1 user is following.

I have had bouts of diverticulitis for the past 15 years usually about one or two a year with more minor IBS symptoms in-between. I have never needed hospital treatment and usually manage to recover without antibiotics. The last 18 months I have had more attacks than usual- about 6 or 7. My consultant has now said he is willing to operate and would remove the whole sigmoid colon but wants me to think about it for 3 months as it isn't a straightforward decision. My colonoscopy showed some narrowing and tortuosity but no active inflammation (which wasn't surprising as I was well at the time) but whilst the consultant called those abnormalities, he didn't seem to think they were dangerous. His offer of an resection is more based on quality of life issues that regular infections and not being able to eat properly produce i.e. making it difficult to work etc.

I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been down this road and gone for elective surgery (as opposed to emergency)especially anyone who also suffered from IBS symptoms as one of my concerns is that those could get worse after the op. Are you happy with your decision or do you have any regrets? Have you had any reoccurrence of diverticulitis afterwards?

0 likes, 0 replies

0 Replies

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.