Severe Sigmoid Diverticulitis
Posted , 3 users are following.
I was diagnosed with severe sigmoid diverticulitis a year ago by way of a CT Scan. I had another scan done two weeks ago, and the condition has seriously worsened. I was terrified by the diagnosis, and the doctor gave me little guidance.
I have been doing research online, and came across this discussion group.
I have read many of the questions and responses, which answered so many questions for me.
I want to say Thank You to all of you. It's very comforting to hear from folk who have actually experienced the condition, the surgery, and so on.
My mind is more at ease now. Thank you again!
2 likes, 10 replies
rommon Guest
Posted
I have one of those in 3 weeks, can hardly wait :S
Guest rommon
Posted
A possible colonoscopy is a discussion my family doctor will be having with a specialist. It hasn't been confirmed, as of today.
Guest Guest
Posted
Glad we can help. This forum will give you lots of tips on how to manage your condition, as many people are happy to share their experiences and problems. You should just remember though that people who manage OK without problems often don't post, so the site may be slightly biased towards those who have or have had problems and are working through them. Where are you based? Your options are different in the UK to USA. The UK goes for the diet/lifestyle management, whereas the USA is far more aggressive.
I too have severe DD and had coped well for 15 years from 2001 with diet/lifestyle/pills, but my GP in the UK is now very reluctant to prescribe antibiotics due to antibiotic resistance. I joined 18 months ago because I was still in pain after 4 months and didn't understand why, as I had always healed quickly before. Now I know it can take months - in fact it was 10 months for me after my last flare. So I stick to eating what is safe for me, keep taking the stool softener to make sure I don't get constipated, and keep my fingers crossed.
If you can cope OK without surgery, that's good. However, some cases are so severe, as you will have read, or there are complications, where surgery is the only option. The doctors don't take this condition seriously - unless they are actual sufferers they have no idea how painful it can be, and how to treat it, apart from bland generalisations and chop chop (in the USA). You will have to work out what suits you, by trial and error. Good luck.
Guest Guest
Posted
Thank you so much for your input, felinia. I live in Canada. I see my family doctor again in about three weeks, and will be taking some of the information provided here, with me to my next appointment.
I have already been to emergency a few times, with antibiotics and pain meds administered through IV.
With the help of the comments on here, and what my doctor advised, I have adjusted my diet accordingly This has been just within the past week, since I had no direction whatsoever prior to this.
It's encouraging to read that your condition has been severe for 15 years, and with changes, was manageable.
Thank you!
rommon Guest
Posted
Guest Guest
Posted
Hi Dixie
I don't know much about Canadian healthcare. However I have many family members living there and they are very critical of the system - very expensive and massive waiting times to be seen or for any treatment.
I think you are doing the right thing in researching as much as you can in advance, and I hope you go with a list of questions. It is too easy to forget something, or be overwhelmed if you are not prepared.
I'm afraid I disagree with rommon on elective surgery, unless your doctor considers it essential, or you find the pain unbearable or it had totally ruined your quality of life. You should bear in mind that the recovery period is about 6 months, and it is not guaranteed that the DD will not return, and that there will not be complications. Now you have information on how to manage the condition, I would give that a shot first. But at the end of the day, the choice is yours - if in doubt get a 2nd opinion.
rommon Guest
Posted
I may have worded that odd, I'm suggesting getting a colonoscopy once the pain hopefully goes away, the surgeon explained the possible emergency surgery I may have when in the ER and that should be 110% last resort.
I just wanted to underscore a colonoscopy to truly determine the best course forward, that is my next fun step x_x
Guest rommon
Posted
Yes, the colonoscopy is the definitive diagnosis. And finally a US surgeon who does not reach for a scalpel BEFORE you walk through the door!! I won't describe the colonoscopy, and particularly the prep, as fun. But at least in the US you get put out. Here in the UK we have to grit our teeth and put up with it (if we're lucky) with gas/air or minimal totally ineffective sedation.
rommon Guest
Posted
I am surprised it was not recommended with elective surgery (assuming it's not emergency), I'd highly recommend pushing for one, good luck!
dee88278 Guest
Edited
Definitely push for colonoscopy. I had a severe attack with a slight rupture 9 years ago - hospital for 4 days with iVs. Hard time recovering, but part of the problem was I waited way too long to go to ER because I had no idea what it was. Since then I have had two other flares - not nearly as bad b/c I knew what it was and doctor immediately started me on antibiotics. Pain was gone within a few days - following strict diet and realization of what the problem was much sooner really helped. Colonoscopy will make the whole picture much clearer for you to decide what to do next. I agree, being aware and following diet will help. I still eat no seeds, berries or nuts, even though most say it doesn't matter. I think my most recent one was due to popcorn.