Age 37 - Only answer is to completely remove my colon??

[Lisa-Thomson]

  I just spent my 2nd stay in the hospital because of diverticulis.  My attending "physician" was the surgeon who saw me in the emergency room (where I was sent from UrgentCare because they insisted I had to have my gallbladder removed).
  I've since had all the diagnostic tests, and this same surgeon (who's not a colon/gastro. specialist) said that I have "pan diverticulitis" and my only course of action is the complete removal of my colon.  He stopped counting at 100 "ticks" -- how he referred to the many pockets in my colon.  He assumed that is was hereditary since at 37 he couldn't imagine it was due to diet.
  I'm not sure who I need to see, what type of physician specializes in this?  I'd like to know if there's anything I can due to avoid the surgery.  He said to increase my fiber, drink lots of liquids but that I should consider having the surgery soon because the next episode I may not be so lucky.  We went through 4 antibiotics before the infection because to subside.
  Suggestions?  I have an HMO but I think they'd refer me to a specialist although not Mayo.
  I'd sure appreciate words of wisdom -- ideas of where to begin my research.
  Thanks!
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Dear Lisa,
It is unusual ( although every one has seen cases)to have extensive diverticulosis at your age.  Diverticula result from outpouchings of the colon lining that results from straining during defecation.  A motility problem must be considered among the possible causes for the diverticulosis.
Many people with diverticula go theri entire life without diverticulosis.  Additionally, because you had one attack does not predict the next time that you will have problems.  
Taking an increased amount of fiber will reduce the rate at which ypu develop new diverticula.  If you choose not to have surgery, you should have a prescription for antibiotics that would be strated with the onset of pain.  If you elect surgery ( which may represent an aggressive response to the diverticula), then most of the colon would be removed and the small intestien would be connected to the rectum.  In all probability, an ileostomy would not be needed.
This information is presented for educational purposes only.  Always asl specific questions to your personal physician.  
If you are in the region of southeast MI, we would be happy to provide a second opinion at the Division of Gastroenterology at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit.  You can arrange an appoinment with Dr. Fogel, one of our experts in the treatment of intestinal disease, by calling our Physician Referral Line at [phone].
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: diverticulosis
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A related discussion, dehydration & diarrhea was started.