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I am scheduled for a colon resection in two weeks. They are removing part of the sigmoid colon which as I understand it, is on the left. However, my abdominal pain is on the right....will that be removed also? Not sure who to ask so I thought I’d try this site. Thanks
0 likes, 7 replies
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rommon tracy88799
Posted
My guess is the problem is on your left side (sigmoid colon), and the cause of the problem (pain) is on the right, so I'd imagine removing the problem area will eventually allow pain to recover.
tracy88799 rommon
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Katealso tracy88799
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I had my sigmoid and 2/3 of the descending colon removed10d ago due to several bouts of diverticulitis. I too have had more pain on my right than on my left. I do know that on CT scan it shows diverticula at the cecum. Since I am still healing I have discomfort on both sides that aren’t constant.
Even when diverticulitis was treated with antibiotics the pain did go away on the right also. Drs couldn’t explain why I got the pain on the right when I had diverticulitis on the left side.
Good luck with your surgery! I say it’s the best thing I ever did!
Kate
tracy88799 Katealso
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Katealso tracy88799
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Glad you are doing well! I am now 4 weeks post op and feel great. Week Three was the game changer. Keep in mind you need to figure what works for you. I was going between constipation and diarrhea. So I started a food diary and that helped. I realize I was sicker than I knew. So glad I had the surgery!
Best of luck to you
Kate
Guest tracy88799
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I am concerned from your post that you seem to have very little knowledge of what is about to happen to you, and why. I think you need to ask your surgeon some more specific questions before the surgery, if you have not already done so. I presume you have been diagnosed with Diverticular Disease through a colonoscopy, following an attack of diverticulitis. Are you aware that an attack of diverticulitis can take weeks or months for the pain to clear? It is not a quick healing process.
You need to ask exactly where the diverticula are in your colon. I expect they will say they are in your sigmoid colon, which is the usual place for them. You should then ask them exactly why are you having the pain on your right hand side, and in particular whether or not there are diverticula anywhere else, like the ascending and/or descending colon. Have they discounted appendicitis? If you have diverticula in places other than the sigmoid colon, are you aware that the removal of the sigmoid colon only will leave you open to developing diverticulitis in future in these other areas?
Are you based in the USA? The treatment for DD is far more aggressive there than here in the UK, where medication, diet and lifestyle changes are the standard treatment unless in an emergency like a perforation, fistula, blockage. I have severe DD and have managed without surgery for 18 years. Is this an elective procedure or absolutely necessary to improve your quality of life? If elective have you been warned of the complications like recurrence, hernia, infection? Have they discussed the possibility of having a stoma and colostomy bag, either temporarily or permanently? Have they discussed dietary changes with you, particularly if you end up with a colostomy? Do you feel you are being rushed into a decision?
I don't know why you are having the surgery, but of course realise it may be a medical necessity and the decision is yours. I am just concerned that you are so far not fully informed. I hope it all works out well for you.
tracy88799 Guest
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