Help.. just been diagnosed with DD
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Hi all
Really new to this..
after 18wks of pain and discomfort in my left abdomen ive been told i have a severe case of diverticular disease. Im 42 and really afraid and confused! I recently had a sigmoidoscopy but only a small part of the bowel was screened due to my bowel being narrowed and the pain I was in during the procedure. I have been told I now need a CT scan so the rest of my bowel can be seen and so it can be checked for infection and other possible complications. I suffer from Anxiety anyway and this has sent me into mass panic!. Im scared that the bowel prep i need before the procedure will cause my bowel even more strain and possible harm. The pain I feel daily is more an annoying discomfort rather than actual pain especially when bending, leaning over etc but Im aware of it constantly. it started in the lower part of the bowel but i now also have it higher up on the same side which again is more like a constant dull ache and a pulling sensation. The intensity increases when Im stressed which to be honest is all of the time as the more Im aware of it the more I get stressed etc. Is it possible to have this in 2 places? Im scared of what the CT scan will reveal and scared of what's to come. I have a young child am I struggle to do normal daily activities at the moment. Ive been reading lots about DD and am currently trying a clear liquid only diet to try and ease the discomfort whilst Im waiting for the CT scan but Im on day 2 and feel terrible and still have the discomfort. Ive just been made redundant and am wondering if stress contributes to this?. Please can someone give me some reassurance. Thank u
0 likes, 2 replies
DanielBenjamin rachel.4
Edited
Dear Rachel,
I feel for you. I am also 42 and totally understand your panic. I was diagnosed at 40 and I had a resection surgery at 41. I still consider my decision to get the surgery as one of the best difficult decisions I've made in my life.
It's hard to know where to start and at times it can seem like an endless maze of re-learning your body all over again. Let's start with the Colonoscopy. As for the bowel cleanse the day before, I think you can rest assured that this will actually bring you some relief bc it completely clears out your bowels and gives them a good rest. Nothing to worry about there. It sounds like you are feeling a lot of anxiety as you progress.
That is quite normal. I was convinced when I was diagnosed that I was headed toward nothing but bad things. Try to not let your mind wander with those sorts of thoughts. Most survivors of any disease, condition, etc will tell you that this is key. As silly as it sounds meditation can go a long way here.
As for what you can do right now, there are a few things. Keep your meals to small portions. I was once told to keep each meal to the size of your fist. Plenty of water to wash it down with and help break it up.
The types of food that you will be able to tolerate will vary person-to-person. You will hear a lot of talk about "low-residue diet". Do some research there. My diet generally consisted of eggs, mash potatoes (no skins), turkey & chicken (no red meats), oatmeal, soups (chicken noodle/rice). This kept me going until I could schedule my surgery. My wait was 8 months from diagnosis.
There are a few big no-no's when it comes to what you put in your body and I learned this the hard way.
Absolutely no cigarettes & alcohol. This are absolutely the worst things you can do to your situation if you use either of these. I thought I could continue to use these after my initial ER visit and I blame them for my subsequent 2 ER visits that followed only weeks apart. No Booze, no smoking, period.
Do not try to push out bowel movements in frustration that it feels like you can't clear your bowels. Take your time and do not force yourself to urinate or poop.
If your situation is like you describe I believe you should be ready to hear the words from your GI after your scope that he/she will suggest a resection surgery. Most of us who have had multiple attacks will at some point end up having this surgery. The longer you wait the higher your risk is. The surgery is another ordeal and you'll find plenty of support from these forums to prepare and mostly just deal with the reality.
I am utterly thankful for the community that I found here at this forum and it can help so much just hearing other peoples' stories and tips.
remember, you are NOT alone!
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions!
I have survived DD and I am a year + since my resection surgery and the quality of my life is SO much better! You are on the path to healing!
Best,
Daniel
rachel.4 DanielBenjamin
Edited
Hi Daniel
thank you for all of the advice, information and for sharing your story with me..
Its just a relief to know that there are others out there that understand what I am going through because this really is a scary time. Until my diagnosis last week I was told by several GPs that I was suffering with constipation / impaction and that I probably had IBS because I was so stressed out. Because this has been going on for ages and because my GP said I wasnt showing any red flag symptoms therefore he wasnt going to refer me for further tests at that point, I decided to see a specialist hence the sigmoidoscopy. I now just feel overwhelmed and scared. There's so much to take in. Anyway thank you again for your advice and I will PM you as I am sure I will have questions as I begin digest everything.