Lookin for information....

I recently had my cecum removed and would like to know if anyone else has had a similar operation.  I went into the hospital thinking I had appendicitis and wound up with diverticulitis and having 6 inches of my intestines removed along with my appendix.  I was just wondering if anyone else had a similar situation?  thanks....

[CalGal]

Was the cecum itself actually removed, or just the appendix? Six inches from which area of the large intestine is gone?  

If you lost the portion of the ileum/cecum that contains the ileocecal sphincter the problems you currently have would probably include 'dumping' - non-regulation of the movement of food from the small intestine to the large intestine.

[nomorececum]

Thank you for the info.  I had the cecum removed which included my appendix.  I am actually doing ok but I still have LRQ pain, though not nearly anything like before the surgery.  I have had a few "dumping" incidences, though I think I just need to learn what I can and cannot eat. I also seem to have problems with the amounts of food I eat; in other words, I can't seem to eat the same amount as before the surgery.  If I eat a whole sandwich, for example, I seem to have a reoccurance of pain where if I eat a half of sandwich, I seem to do much better.  I have been grazing and trying to find the right balance of foods in both amounts and types.  It certainly is a learning experience and my life seems to be all about what goes in and out!  I just started back to work for a few hours a day; I have a great and understanding boss.  I am gradually, (VERY gradually!) getting my strength back but that is a very slow process which is requiring me to be patient; not a virtue that I posess.  I have been reading quite a few of these posts and I have a great deal of compassion and sympathy for all of these people who are forced to live their lives in discomfort and with chronic pain from many of the issues they are all facing.  I had no idea that so many people lived with such issues.  I feel fortunate to have found a place where I can realize that I am not alone and I am learning so much just by reading what other people have written in these forums.