Colonoscopy and Diverticulosis?

[versagal]

I was wondering if it is advisable to go ahead and have a
colonoscopy even though I had diverticulitis several years
ago.

I get flare-ups now and then, but nothing too bad and since
doctors want everyone to get this test, I wonder if it is
something for me or not?  Can the test aggravate the
tender area?  Interested in an opinion. Thanks.

[Morecambe]

Hi - Happy New Year to you too.  After my torrential bleeding, (16 pints of transfused blood during the "event")  I underwent a lower intestine barium x-ray scan which showed the diverticular "outpouchings" quite clearly.  I also underwent further tests.  My blood count continued to be on the low side which suggested that bleeding was still taking place - even though this was on a lower scale.  I think my specialist concluded that if I suffered a re-bleeding episode, the potential loss of blood could be so great that I might die before reaching hospital.  Therefore the decision was taken to remove the whole colon with its diverticular bulges - and everything.  In other words, once the colon is removed (sometimes this is called an ileorectal anastomosis as opposed to a total colectomy - i.e. the farthest part of the ileum is sutured to the top end of the rectum) then all the diverticular affected areas are also removed and colonic diverticular can be eliminated.  Of course bleeding from other parts of the (upper) intestines is still possible but this is rarer than lower G.I. bleeding.

At the time, I asked my surgeon whether the areas from where the bleeding had occurred could be "cauterised" but the reply was that once bleeding had stopped, it was very hard to identify the source.  Also with numerous colonic diverticular outpouchings, bleeding could theoretically re-occur from any of those sites - hence take the whole colon out and be 100% sure4!!

Hope this helps - good luck

Morecambe

[versagal]

Happy New Year!! Hope you are staying well with no further symptoms. Did you have surgery
for the bleeding? What are your tips for keeping diverticulitis under control? I have yearly
check-ups that include a lab tested stool sample that screens for blood. So far, so good.
Diet is soooo important too. Have you tried Aloe Vera Gel. I found it helps heal and sooth
the colon. I'm considering getting a CT colonography, which is less invasive, just to see
how things are in there.    

[Morecambe]

Hi - I don't mean to scare you but about four years ago (at the age of 58) I suffered life threatening torrential diverticular bleeding.  Maybe you can find some of the postings/questions that I placed on Medhelp by typing in my nickname Morecambe.  If not, please don't hesitate to post a comment/question here and I will be glad to help.

Diverticular bleeding is quite rare compared to the number of people who (unwittingly) have undiagnosed diverticulitis.  However, I would suggest that you watch out for any signs of blood in your stools and, if you notice any, consult a G.I./colorectal specialist quickly.

A colonoscopy, if suggested, is no great hardship.

Good luck Morecambe

[versagal]

Don't be concerned that you have diverticulosis. As long as you have no symptoms
you're fine.  Stay well by staying regular.  Symptoms can be a sudden
sharp pain in your lower left abdomen. If the pain stays and you have trouble
walking around because of it, see your doctor or go to the hospital
emergency. Flare-ups like this are called diverticulitis. Good Luck.    

[versagal]

Thanks, CalGal. I'm going to mention the CTcolonography
to my family doctor.  She is encouraging me to go for a
colonoscopy, but I am hesitant and prefer a less
invasive-type of testing, especially when I have no immediate
problem. Possibly she didn't know about the availability of
the other method.  Thanks for the reply.  

[cat33]

I had a colonoscopy done in August. Was told that I have diverticulitis. Have never had any pain so I wouldn't know where to expect it.Dr. said nothing to worry about unless they go inward and collect bacteria. I would like to be informed by someone who has had it ,so I can be aware of any symptoms I may get in the future. He said something about 89% of the population has it and  does'n know they have it.  THANKS

[CalGal]

Versagal, I've been hearing that the CT colonography may be the preferred method of followup after someone has had diverticulitis rather than either a barium enema or a colonoscopy. I'm not sure that all facilities offer it, however.