diverticulitis surgery

Have you tried any of these things?

Hi glorfrits I had multiple flare ups in a two month period doctors kept putting me on Flagyll and Cipro the first and last infection was intravenously I tried to tell them it wasn't working to no avail Well my large and small intestine stuck to each other causing a blockage so it was emergency procedure first surgery July 24 surgeon took out 12 inches of my sigmoid colon and 2 inches of my small intestine open surgery although they tried lapiscopic they couldn't get a good view and because of scar tissue being a problem with future abdominal surgeries they also took my appendix Well you take a chance that intestines will knot up after surgery and unfortunately my small intestine did exactly that So another emergency surgery July 14 this time incision 10 inches long 40 something staples WOW ever since it was done I have had explosive diahrea I no kidding 20 times a day all night long was just able to stop wearing diapers a few weeks ago so hard to get up in time to get to the toilet The last 2 days were good only 2 defications each day was so happy but today 6 so far It was a extremely tough surgery I'm 60 years old and was healthy before diverticulitis! I'm 5 foot 7 and when this all started April 6 I weighed 138 pounds on the scale today 97 pounds still have abdominal pain although not the same as flare up pain weak as a kitten can't even cook for myself If you decide to do it make sure your home is prepared and all necessities you need pads wipes cream are all ready and available after surgery I live in 2 level home you will struggle doing stairs of any kind so I've been on couch down stairs The more family and friends you have to help the better off you will be I never imagined it would b this intense We are all different I pray if you have it done it works out better for you Ask surgeon lots of questions none are to small

I have not had surgery but still would like to share a little of my opinion.  

IBS can cause pain, constipation and diarrhea.  I have both.  IBS AND DD.

When you may have both too.  When my IBS acts up I get bloating and diarrhea.  Constipation is usually after I have diarrhea.  It is a vicious cycle.  I watch fiber. I CANNOT eat many fiber foods as they irritate my colon and I get terrible cramping.  It seems my Diverticulitis acts up after lots of bouts of IBS.  When I start having pain and sometimes terrible cramping I first go on a liquid diet and take a prescription antispasmodic as well as apply heat to the abdomen. If it does not subside I go to the doctor and because the doctor is familiar with me prescribes an antibiotic.  I have been hospitalized several times in which IV antibiotics have really helped.  I have had this condition for probably 15 years. I also have seen a reputable surgeon.  He says I’ll do it but I don’t recommend you having it done now.(I saw the surgeon in May).  He admitted it’s no easy operation.  I feel you should see two or three surgeons before you decide.  It all depends on your body and can condition of your colon how much will be removed.  I know some who do well others still have pain.  Have you had CTscans?  Has any if you DD attack scans show infected area?  Not just moderate infection but infectious notable areas(pus)?  If so you need to consider seeing several surgeons if it has shown that in several CT scans.  My CT scans all have shown moderate DD and the last attack which quite honestly was the worst took me well over 4 months to feel better.  I had IV in hospital and two rounds of antibiotics when I went home. But knocks the heck out of you and diarrhea continues for some time because if antibiotics.  I start a probiotic with the antibiotics and it does get my insides quiet after a few days or so.  Still since I have no pusular infection I hold off from surgery.  You need to find out the extend of your infection and then proceed if you can’t take it anymore .

I feel as some else mentioned IBS can be triggered by a particular food.  Just an example raw onions or MSG.  I have to be cautious when I order out and at home I use a crockpot a lot.

I stay away from raw veggies, skins, nuts  and seeds and take a multiple vitamin.

I eat steak on occasion but it’s only a filet.  I eat ground beef, turkey and chicken.

I wish you good luck and prayers. I know you are disgusted, so afraid and feel terrible as well as confused.  I hope I helped more than made you more confused.

My last as most important advise is get another Gastro doctor opinion and see another surgeon to rule out the above issues.  Especially the level of severity of your condition.  I good surgeon will not rush but actually show you what he would do upon opening you up.  What technique he would use and mine said laparoscopic but possibly open abdominal.  It really all depends on what he finds.

I know how scared you are.  Have faith and always hope.  🤗

Both of whom suggested managing with diet...so far no surgery. I drinks at least 8 glasses of water daily and careful diet with oatmeal daily.

It takes time after surgery for the bowel to start working properly. A lot depends upon how much they take out, and where it's at. The first 6 weeks stay on a soft diet (avoid all foods you had to while having attacks) to give your insides time to heal. Remember what goes in has to come out. I'm about 4 1/2 months post op open cut sigmoid colectomy where they removed 4". I too suffered from diarrhea and constipation because of the scar tissue. I will not lie, the surgery is excruciating but worth it. Since the surgery I haven't suffered any diverticulitis symptoms and been able to eat foods I hadn't had in 2 years. Remember everybody is different. My situation was dire as I had developed sepsis in my lower abdomen.

Living with diverticulitis is no life to live. I was also at the point of no return. The only reason they did open cut on me is because of family history of colon cancer and the multiple attacks. I too was in attack mode, got the antibiotics 2 weeks before my surgery simply because I wouldn't have survived another attack. Lapriscopic is a faster healing time than open cut. Just remember to stay on a soft diet and eat in moderation for at least 6 weeks to give your insides time to heal. What goes in has to come out.

HI

I know exactly what you are going through! I had been in the ER NOV, DEC, and JAN last year with recurrent diverticulitis. I was prescribed antibiotics each time. Some days I could barely eat a cracker! My first attack was 2 years ago it lasted for four months.It didn't matter what I ate! It was recommended I have surgery ! So in April I had 12-18 inches removed robotically . The surgery was easy for me. I followed the directions to a tee! I drink a lot of water and walked after every meal. I didnt need much pain meds. BUT recoverytakes awhile give yourself 6 months to recover! It has taken me that long to find the right balance. I take a probiotic and bitamin at night and small fiber in the morning. I still have problems with anything carbonated. Too much fiber is a problem for me. I too have had urgent diarrhea after surgery but the fiber supplement has that under control.

SO I WOULD DEFINITELY DO IT AGAIN!

Feel free to ask any questions!