Diverticulitis pain after bout

My history:
I am 59 years of age and except for prostate cancer, that I undertook seed radiation for last year, am in good shape and exercise daily. I have had 4 or 5 attacks of Diverticulitis in 15 years the most recent being three months ago.  All have responded to oral antibiotics.  My previous attack was in 2004 and though the CT showed it had cleared I suffered considerable soreness, tenderness, and stomach aches for about 6 months.  I had a very miserable summer.  My G/logist gave me various medications but none helped. He did not advise operating.  Now 6 years with this last attack on I have had a second  G/logist opinion and seen a surgeon who both believe that I should have elective lapo surgery while I am in good shape, even though the attacks were 6 years apart.  Any opinion on this please.

There are a couple of things that are worrying me:
1. I have considerable soreness 3 months on in my left quadrant and plan to be taking a trip to Australia soon.  I have been told by the surgeon and the Doctor that I should go and just take antibiotics with me but am still feeling uneasy.  6 years ago I experienced worse soreness for 6 months.  I read somewhere that it is common to have this and it doesn't neccesary mean I am going to get Diverticulitis return.  Do you agree?
2. The recent bout had a micro perforation.  The G/logist didn't seem to be too worried and said it would soon heal, it did not show on a second CT that showned no diverticulitis, while the surgeon said this means it was not such an uncocmplicated attack after all.  What do you think?
Thank you for your opinion.