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Has any one gone to see a Colorectal surgeon?

Posted , 9 users are following.

Dracula
Dracula

I've got Diver.  Had lots of infections.  I just wondered if anyone has gone to see a Colorectal surgeon. And what do they exactly do? I'd be very grateful for any info .  I've googled it but just wanted some direct info from people who have experienced it .  TYIA 

0 likes, 44 replies

44 Replies

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  • mia47741
    mia47741 Dracula

    Posted

    I had surgery in July this year, descending and sigmoid colon removed and then rejoined (no bag!).  I had been having constant flare ups and the diverticular disease had got worse over the years.  I was scared to arrange any social life because of the constant risk of being ill.

    the operation was not a breeze, I was in hospital for 16 days and it took awhile for the system to get moving.  It took a few more weeks to get moving, but I drove after six weeks and just kept building up a little every day.  I progressed from liquids to soft foods over several weeks.  After 3 months, I could eat what I like, suffer no pain and feel I have been given my life back.  Still having a few problems regulating bowel movements but this is thought to be due to mal absorption of bile  as I had my gallbladder removed a few years back.  I am so glad I had the operation after years of suffering.  I am 64 and live in UK.

    • Guest
      Guest mia47741

      Posted

      Did you ever have to take antibiotics with your flare ups over the years before you ever had surgery?
    • mia47741
      mia47741 Guest

      Posted

      Yes, I had so many courses over the last few years yet the pain only subsided and.never really went.  They left me feeling tired and depressed.  Last year I ended up in hospital on a drip having lost over a stone in 10 days. although reluctant to have surgery, I could not carry on as things were.  So pleased I went ahead, definitely the right choice for me.
    • Dracula
      Dracula mia47741

      Posted

      Hello Mia47741 .  Thank you for replying to me. The information you have given me is invaluble.  Some posts in other forums make the op sound like a breeze. If you don't mind I'd like to ask you a few questions please:   How many years did you have Diver? And how often were the infections? What were your 'bad foods' ?  Or was it anything you ate? How come you didn't have the bag as part of the op? Do you have any other medical conditions?  

      I am suffering so much .  And it's getting unbearable.  I try not to revolve my life around Diver but lt dictates my life. Like it did yours.  

    • mia47741
      mia47741 Dracula

      Posted

      IT started of as IBS (or that was the diagnosis), but first diagnosed with moderate DD about 20 years ago.  It got worse over the years and each colonoscopy it went to severe DD.  The infections increased over the years so that I ended up in pain and taking antibiotics more often than not.  Although the GP was pretty useless, I did end up being referred to an excellent consultant following an admission  to hospital last year.  I avoided all the usual suspects, seeds, peel, spicy foods etc but never identified the culprits.  I never suffered constipation, which is widely blamed as a cause, nor did I regularly suffer diarhoea, my bm  were regular.  

      The surgeon removed as much as she could without the need for a bag, although there were no guarantees that I would not end up with one.  I was diagnosed with  asthma about 15 years ago and an underactive thyroid 3 years ago.  Had reflux problems for some years but that has gone now and I no longer take medication for that.    For me, surgery has been the answer and I consider myself very lucky to have such a great consultant and been given the opportunity to elect for surgery.

      i hope your situation improves and you have the chance to have the op if it is right for you.  I felt I had nothing to lose.

    • Dracula
      Dracula mia47741

      Posted

      Sorry screen on this Site keeps freezing. When this happens I type 'Contined ' and carry on the conversation immediately. 

      You have been through such a lot .  I'm very happy for you that you didn't need a bag and the op was successful.  I think the docs tell everyone that they have IBS when they don't know what's wrong. I've always had a 'weak' stomach. I had constipation and piles as a child and throughout my life .   I've had pain and cramps in my stomach for a few years.  And also bleeding and mucus .  CONTINED ......and 

    • Dracula
      Dracula mia47741

      Posted

      I have been suffering from diarrheao for a few years and the usual constipation.  The stomach ache got worse.  It all came to a head when I was rushed into hospital in April.   I am used to using antibiotics due to kidney and urine infections as I suffer constantly from kidney stones that get stuck in my Urethra .  However, like you were before the op , I am getting infections from Diver , ALL the time.  The pain has got worse including all the other symptoms.  CONTINED...
  • Dracula
    Dracula

    Posted

    MY HiSTORY 

    I went to my Dr in April. Was very ill.  She called an ambulance.  At the hospital I had IV antibiotics 3 times a day  for 7 days. Nil by mouth. And Iv Fluids.  The consultant said my infection was severe and took my bloods every day. He said I might need an op.  And said ' If you came a day later you might not be here today '.  But I guess I didn't take that comment too seriously.  He said if I get the same symptoms to come to ER immediately . I didn't I just went to my DR , got antibiotics and self managed.  And now keep getting infections. I was diagnosed in hospital by CT scan , and then by flexible Sigmoidscope in April 

  • Mars777
    Mars777 Dracula

    Posted

    Hi , yes I have seen a Colerectal surgeon many times. I am seeing one @ the moment. I just had a MRI scan on my Pelvis because of flare ups. All came back clear. Iv'e had a few colonoscopy's & sigmoidoscopy all came back clear. A little mild diverticular did show up.That was a few years back now. I get flare ups this is why I am seeing my consultant again. They ask about your symptoms & may have to examine you up your back passage.They will then make a decision on giving you further tests? Hope this helps x

     

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