Repeated episodes of diverticulitis after colon resection

[kimstoltz]

In 2008 I had 12 inches of my sigmoid removed. This past week I had a recurrence of diverticulitis. Before the 2008 surgery, I had 8 years of repeat attacks of diverticulitis. I am allergic to flagyl and most antibiotics. I also developed C-diff in 2008 from antibiotics. Is it appropriate to consider a second colon resection?

[mammo]

Having diverticulitis and being allergic to most antibiotics put you in a bit of a predicament for treatment.  Are you avoiding all the foods you should to prevent any flare ups from your diverticulitis?  I agree with CalGal that this is important enough to thoroughly discuss your options with your GI doc. One attack doesn't warrant more surgery, and this is where diet plays an important role.  It's also good to keep an antibiotic that you can take on hand to take at the first sign of a flare-up to avoid a full blown attack. Talk to your doctor about this and don't be rash with your decision.  Best wishes.

[CalGal]

Kim, I assume you checked with your doc and you're positive that it's diverticulitis and not something else? Many people have 're-'resections depending upon the condition they're facing. The best person to discuss the situation with would be your doc. He'll know exactly what section was removed in the past and will be able to guide you in what might have to be done at this time. Different regions of the colon have differing amounts of vascular input and those vascular patterns will determine how much would have to be removed in the future in addition to whatever section is currently experiencing problems.