Diverticulosis and concerns

[johnangelo]

My CT scan read "Diffuse thickening of the walls of sigmoid colon
No inflammatory changes are identified. Findings may be on the basis of muscular hypertrophy with multiple diverticula: however early inflammatory or infectious etiology cannot be entirely excluded.  The study is otherwise unremarkable"

How I feel: no pain, maybe mild discomfort, no diahrea, stools are normal, no vomiting or fever, slight cramping in lower left side,it seems i can feel swelling down to my anus. lately though it feels like a bladder infection is comming on.

My history EXELLENT health! Fissure in ano 2-3 years ago and removal of ano fistula about 6 years ago. My Dr. said possibly chrons disease? I think I am asymptomatic with the exception of my fistula.
I know with diverticulitis a fistula can occur between the colon & bladder.
This has taken an emotional toll more than anything! Looking for piece of mind. Am an admitted hypochrodiac! Colonoscopy is scheduled. Thank you.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are many things that can involve thickening of the colon - including the possibilities listed in the report.  Simple gastroenteritis can also cause thickening of the colon.  

Inflammation of the sigmoid colon certainly can be caused by Crohn's disease - which is a type of inflammatory bowel disease.  Diarrhea and abdominal pain would be symptoms of this disease.

Colonoscopy would be a reasonable test to evaluate for colonic inflammation caused by infection.  Biopsies of the affected colon can be taken to give a more definitive diagnosis.  

If negative, you can follow up the findings with a repeat CT scan to see if the thickening has improved.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[Be/]

I was recently diagnosed with diverticulosis.  I’ve been doing some research on this condition and find that I experience only a few of the symptoms associated with diverticulosis.  I’m looking for other people with this disease so that I can compare symptoms.  I have a feeling this might not be the sole cultrate of my pain.  
My pain always happens between 2am and 5 am.  It can last as long as half an hour.  It always starts as a stomach ache, then chills and cold sweat.  The pain rolls upward underneath my breast bone and spreads to the left and right and wraps around to the back.  
The pain is extremely intense, it worsens with movement.  The only positions I can tolerate is doubled over on my knees.  As the pain peaks, I shake and a couple of times felt I would pass out.  Then as fast as it started it stops, afterwards I feel tired and sore for a whole day.
Can anyone relate to this?
BeBe

[patty75904]

A related discussion, diverticulitis and urinary tract infection was started.