Unusual diverticulitis?

Posted , 2 users are following.

I've been diagnosed with moderate diverticulitis via CAT scan. With more frequent flare ups my doctor has now suggested surgery, saying it's either that or a life on antibiotics. I'm no doctor but my gut says (and after reading this forum) maybe I should question these choices as the only alternatives...

I'm atypical in that I have no bad pain or severe cramps. Instead I get a constant dull ache located center abdomen, half way between bellie button and public bone. Seems to get more irritated the more I crouch or squat. I've never had fever, chills, or blood . Not even much diarrhea. Bowel movements sort of consistent , though peristalsis is sluggish.

Antibiotics are absolute killers to my system and in the end don't even seem to make a difference. Flare ups last for weeks and react the same whether I am on them or not.

Totally frustrating to be told I'm so sick and need surgery. Yet this is no fun. I want to get healthy. People on this forum (unfortunately) seem to be describing much more pain/cramping than I'm experiencing. Wondering if with me it could my more about inflammation than infection... What to do... Ideas please!

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2 Replies

  • Posted

    I was in mostly the same state you are describing for a year. I was put on antibiotics many times during that year. I decided to get the resection surgery and glad that I did. I later found out that my infected section that was cut out, had been stuck to my belly wall. These sort of situations can lead to fistulas when not addressed. I personally would recommend the resection. The recovery is not the easiest but once you commit to this process of healing it's quite doable. I was home within 36 hours of the surgery. My advice is to stay on top of the pain with the painkillers and try to exercise the way they instruct you to. I do not regret my surgery. I was back at work in 2 weeks. Plan on that first week after surgery the most hard part. If you can have someone to watch over you when you get home to help you cook, get up, lay down etc, it can be of enormous use. Try not to sneeze, when you get up roll over instead of using abdominal muscles..... and have a walker to help aid you. It will do wonders. Then graduate to using a cane, then you should be golden 😃

  • Posted

    DeDe,

    You are describing my lead up to my resection surgery a year ago.

    I mostly just had your mild symptoms and was put on anti-biotics more than I can count.

    My advice to you is to get the surgery. They found out once they were in me that my intestine was fusing to my belly wall as well. These sort of deals are no good. They can lead to fistulas. If I were you I'd do the surgery while it's nice an mild. This will almost certainly promise no stoma needed. Just my opinion.

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