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Sigmoid Colectomy

Posted , 27 users are following.

Annie-Marie
Annie-Marie

After 4 years plus of diverticular disease and diverticulitis attacks I am finally having an op. Very apprehensive about it but hopefully it will give me some relief as I have been confined to the bathroom and sofa every morning for the past year. Has anyone else had surgery? Would love to hear from anyone who has had surgery as not finding many comments on surgery.​

1 like, 99 replies

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  • deborah_90605
    deborah_90605 Annie-Marie

    Posted

    I am still waiting for my surgery which I am having using the da Vinci robot which apparently is more precise and means you recover from surgery quicker. But I have also been told that the surgery is more difficult if you have had a hysterectomy so would be interested to hear if anyone else has had the surgery and also had a hysterectomy and whether it made any difference?
    • caroline98902
      caroline98902 deborah_90605

      Posted

      I have had a Hysterectomy, whilst they were looking for the cause of my pain and huge weight loss. They discovered a huge fibroid and that my appendix were inflamed, this was done two years ago they hoped some of my pain would go.

      But if anything it is worse and now my small bowel is collapsing as well as my other bowel problems, my Surgeon has not mentioned surgery being more difficult after a Hysterectomy, but to be honest i just want to feel better.

      Thankyou Kate for your support, i will also help you and anyone else

    • Katealso
      Katealso deborah_90605

      Posted

      I do know that having had previous abdominal surgery can interfere with laparoscopic surgery due to adhesions-or scar tissue. I am scheduled for robotic laparoscopic surgery but have been warned about converting to open surgery.  I of course would prefer the least invasive but am not concerned if it has to be open. Apparently I have mod to severe diverticulosis throughout the colon. I pray it doesn’t come back! 

    • deborah_90605
      deborah_90605 caroline98902

      Posted

      Apparently the reason it's more complicated is because the colon slips further into pelvis where the womb previously was which does make sense 

  • paula18213
    paula18213 Annie-Marie

    Posted

    Hi

    i know this is an old thread but found it very interesting and would love advice on my recent surgery. 

    I am 3 weeks post op after having sigmoid colectomy after suffering from diverticula disease for a number of years. This was a decision made by my surgeon after lots of different medications examinations and admission. 

    I have to say I’ve been grumpy,tearful, angry, and in denial and naive about the procedure. Since leaving hospital. I ended up having doctor out x2 and caught an infection in the main incision. Visits to the nurse every other day to have the dressing changed. 

    I am experiencing bloating and pain in my kidneys also. I have to say the support from my partner and family has been overwhelming. I really didn’t think it would be this hard. I understand from reading all the posts the recovery period is long?  I really didn’t expect it to be like this but encouraged by the positive posts. Onwards and upwards and look forward to a pain free future. 

    Good luck everyone 

    • Katealso
      Katealso paula18213

      Posted

      Hi Paula,

            I assume you are grumpy because of your setbacks.  I prefer to think this has to be a new learning curve! Just as we had to learn how to deal with diverticulitis we now have to learn how to deal with a repaired bowel!

      I too have fullness in my back after urinating a lot. I also have burning from my pubic bone to my upper abd when I urinate and sometimes burning across my abdomen for hours. I take Tylenol during the day and a pain pill at night. I walk a mile everyday which helps not only physically but also mentally.. I would love some tips from those who have had the surgery!

      Once that incision heals you will feel better. It has to be do much better than the attacks!!! I assume yours was open ? Mine was done robotically.

      Kate

    • mr_54542
      mr_54542 Katealso

      Posted

      This is for Paula and Kate. I had a resection in Feb 2017 after the best part of 10 years of misery. Post surgery is tough. You question why the hell you did it and panic you made a terrible decision. I did. The immediate bowel

      weakness and various pains and soreness are horrible. But they will get better. And it happens without you noticing. So the single most important thing you can do is to accept your problems ended with the surgery. You’re so used to being sick you’re now focusing on the op. Let it go. Notice the daily improvements. Look for what’s better.  Be positive. Before long you’ll move beyond diverticulitis and surgery and realise it’s the past and you’re healed. 🙏🏻

    • Katealso
      Katealso mr_54542

      Posted

      Thank you ! I just wasn’t expecting the odd things! Mine was robotic so I have little pain . I will stand by my decision to have it done. I’m just not patient haha

      So glad it’s behind me!

    • caroline98902
      caroline98902 Katealso

      Posted

      Just wish mine was behind me, after sitting for 8 hours in the surgery ward, they came and told me my operation was cancelled.

      As you can imagine i was devastated, all the stress meant the next day i had a really bad attack. Fèlt truly the worst I'd ever felt, as a result i have enquired whether i can pay for the bed, still waiting for a reply.

      I will put up with any amount of pain afterwards, just want it done so i can get on with my life

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