Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
resection/surgery
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
 |
resection/surgery
by Tim S., Sep 17, 2002 12:00AM
I recently had a colonoscopy that sent a smoldering diverticulitis into a full blown stage. 5 days in the hospital on IV antibiotics followed, and I'm currently home and on 2 oral antibiotics at this time. I'm 50 years old and the doctors say that there is a very good possibility that I still may need to have surgery. I'm looking for feedback from anyone whose already had this experience, how the surgery went, how long your recovery time was, and most importantly, the end results of your procedure. I've suffered with this condition for almost 8 years and am of the opinion that if the doctors say it's time to operate, I'm ready to get it over with. If you've had this surgery how are things in your life now? What's changed in terms of your diet before the surgery and after? thanks in advance for your feedback.
Member Comments (1)
by eveningstar, Sep 17, 2002 12:00AM
Hi, I had a colon resection about a year and a half ago at the age of 53. I did not have diverticulitis. This was for an early stage colon cancer. I had about 14 inches of colon removed. This was in the sigmoid area. The surgery went well, and I was in the hospital for 9 days. They say about a week is the norm. The big deal is that you have to pass gas which signifies that your colon is "waking up" and things are moving the way they should. This did not happen for me until the 8th day after surgery. Up until that time I had an IV and nothing by mouth. Also you have to have an NG tube up your nose and down your throat for several days. This suctions out bile from your stomach and lets the colon heal. I had a morphine pump which is patient controlled. I had never been in the hospital before except to have children. But I got along ok. The very important thing is to walk as much as possible, it helps get the bowels moving and helps with recovery. Looking back now, I should have done more of that. Of course I was very sore for awhile, but all in all it all went well. About two and a half weeks after surgery I drove to the grocery store by myself. I certainly was not moving very fast and did not buy anything heavy, but I'm just trying to give you an idea of recovery. This gives you some idea of the surgery, but as far as end results having to do with the diverticulitis, I can't help you. Bowel movements are normal, I have never had diarrhea since the surgery, except maybe the first couple of times I went after the surgery. I would say bowel movements are more frequent, I think because there is just less colon to store it in. I hope eveything works out for you, and if you have any more questions I would be glad to help.
Expert Activity
Related Expert Forums
Related Communities
Crohn
Crohn's Disease
Crohns
Digestive Process
Dry Skin
IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Stomach Ach
Sunburn
Ulcerative Colitis
abdominal pain
bowel
colitis
colon
crohn's
crohns disease
diarrhea
gallbladder
irritable
irritable bowel
large intestine
liver
nausea
pain
rectal bleeding
red skin
redness
stomach ache
stool
ulcerative
Communities
Ask a Doctor Forums
Tools and Applications
Personal Information
Medical Information
Doctors and Partners