Ouch! 33 years old, good diet - got Diverticulitis
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hi
I am a 33 year old healthy, but busy, person. Good diet too.
I started having abdominal pains in January when I was skiing - thought I had pulled a muscle badly but it especially hurt when I went to the loo (both ways!). Pains lasted a few days and don't like going to the doc!
Came back in March when it hurt a bit more.
Then it hurt very badly in April. Pain was getting worse so I went to my GP who diagnosed suspected appendicitus. Taken off to hospital and was opened up the next day.
When I woke up was told it was my colon and was sent for a CT scan straight away. Told it was not cancer but could be Diverticulitus or Chrones.
Pain still there 36 hours later so then sent a camera crew up behind which was pretty horrible.
Consultant then told me it was diverticultis. Was having a bad reaction to the drugs (was stoned!) and in hospital for a week on anti-biotics and pain killers.
Got home and needed the next week to sleep it off and get back to normal. Went back to work and felt knackered, and saw my consultant for a follow up.
Gave me loads of information but they want to be \"bullish\" about operating and removing my sigmoud colon, and are talking about me doing it on an elective basis before I get a further attack ... but the pains are still rumbling.
Ouch ouch ouch.
The things that gets me is that I have led a healthy-ish life. I'm physically in good shape, and eat a reasonably balanced diet with fruit and veggies and rarely have junk food. Enjoy a drink but rarely to excess. Busy, stressful life but generally in control.
Grandfather had it when he was 55.
Know that I need to have the op but why me?? Would love to talk to someone.
0 likes, 7 replies
james
Posted
:D JAMES
Guest
Posted
I am 42 and had very few symptoms - like you I am fit - skied 3 times this season, I go to the gym and have a healthy diet and I am well within my healthy weight range. I had a great shock when a week ago a got really bad stomach pain resulting in an emergency operation to remove a large section of my colon and the diagnosis of diverticulitis. No one can really give me an answer as to why me? I feel you are having the same experience. I have looked up lots of info on the internet and find a lot of conflicting info on what you should and should not eat, a bit confusing. But as consolation, In have recovered very quickly from the op. I was given an epidural before surgery which would have been great ( I had one when I had both my children) but did not work on one side which was a shame as the alternative was lots of morphine and sickness! but the op was on Mon evening and I was home on Thusday. I have just had the staples out and am feeling much better.
I do live life in the fast lane and maybe its time for a lifestyle change - but I feel so young for this disease, it must be worse for you! :?
ollie
Posted
It was very reassuring to hear that you were out of hosptial so soon and that you have recovered quickly. Just interested to see how you are feeling : how mobile are you and how much care do you need? Lots of drugs still? Any appetite?
I'm due on 26 July to have the op and am mildy terrified.
The internet is a dangerous place for information. My consultant is pretty bullish about lifestyle as I am young but has said that is sensible to avoid things like nuts. I have noticed that when I eat rice it can cause it to \"grumble\" so I avoid that. I also find that drinking too much coffee can impact on it as well. The only thing is to never get dehydrated or constipated!
Best wishes for a speedy, healthy recovery : by the sounds of it you'll need to start planning your early skiing holiday!
Ollie
james
Posted
I had my operation July 2nd to have 12\"of colon removed as a result of diverticulitis. My operation has been very successful! I was admitted on 1st July to have my bowels emptied for operation. On day of op was given epidural, was in operating theatre for 4 hrs. After Op was transferred to the Independancy ward then next day to my ward. I was in hospital for 7 days. I had catheter fitted, drip in my neck, drainage tube, and tube inserted through my nose into stomach to stop me from being sick, this is all done under general anaesthetic. After 2 days epidural was stopped as it was only working one side, was given plenty of morphine and paracetamol painkiller fed through the drip in my neck. Only discomfort I had was the tube in my nose, that was removed day after operation, which was a relief! My recovery has been really good, have hardly suffered any pain! bit sore when bending, getting in and out of bed etc. Its been 22 days since my Op, I see the district nurse who checks my wound every 3 to 4 days, slight seepage but healing really well. My bowels are working well! Glad I had the Op I feel 100% better, although at times feel tired, going to take each day as it comes, as long as Im fit for my wedding in 6 weeks time! which I'm sure I will be. All the best Ollie and hope you make a good and quick recovery.
Regards
James :D
james
Posted
Wishing you all the best Louise, Take Care,
:D James
ollie
Posted
Best of luck with the wedding - hope that this hasn't caused too much stress!
Ollie
james
Posted
Great! glad your operation went well! Its a matter of resting now and taking each day as it comes, you will be glad to get home and relieved that the operation was a success! you will feel alot better once staples have been removed. I've got appointment with my GP tomorrow, she might decide I'm ready to go back to work? Still feel tired some days, wound still bit tender but healing really well! Wishing you a speedy recovery! and thanks for your good wishes for wedding!
All the Best,
James