surgery or not

[Denise52]

Hi, my name is Denise. I had my first attck of diverticulitis back in April. I went to the E.R. thinking it was my ovary. Never had symptoms before. I have had 2 more attacks since then. The only real bad one was the first one. I never had a fever, blood, or vomiting. I don't have diarhea, or constipation. Yet, I had diverticulitis.Cat scan said so, 2x. I was treated with antibiotics. Now they want me to have a colon resection. I am terrified, and not sure I want to do it. I have been without an attack for 2 months now. I eat real healthy, high fiber and have no trouble moving my bowels, and they are formed and not thin.My surgery isn't until Jan. I think if I stay without an attack I may cancel. Anyone have an opinion? My left side does ache slightly off an on, but nothing serious and no change in bowels.

[kaylajo220]

I had my first bout with diverticulitis about six years ago. I was in the hospital for five days. The dr. wanted to do surgery the next wk. and I chose not to. I have had several episodes of the same cramping and my left side aching but ct scans didn't show infection but dr. put me on antibiotics just to make sure. My last episode was a month ago. I was told to have surgery and went to a specialist to get  a second opinion. I'm scheduled for surgery in Nov. but still not sure if I should do it. I don't have bowel problems and I feel fine. My attacks were never that bad except for the first one. He says chances for recurrence are 90%. I guess my biggest problem is being afraid of the unknown. I would like to hear other opinions.

[mecost]

My husband (43) was told after 2 bouts of diverticultis that he should have the surgery and he didn't.  We are great about making sure he has 35 grams of fiber per day.  2 weeks ago with no warning, he had excruciating pain and we found out he had perforated diverticulitis.  We are on day 12 at hospital as I write this and he has since developed a pelvic abscess and a small bowel obstruction.  He just got done with the NG tube and has a pelvic drain.  They are trying to get his inflammation down before they do the surgery.  In hindsight, when he was told he should have had the surgery, I wish he had.

[Denise52]

Thanks for your input. I although, did respond to antibiotics. I don't hurt when I go to the bathroom, and my colon isn't closing. That's why I'm so confused. It's like, I could never get another attack, or I could get one years from now when I'm older. I just don't know. Awful place to be. My bowel movements have been quite normal. I guess I'll just wait till the end of Dec., and if I'm still ok, I may just cancel surgery. I'm scared either way. You never know how things will be after. I am glad though that for you it was a wise choice and that you doing well. p.s..... That damn ng tube that you wake up down your nose with scares the **** out of me too.

[Sue357]

Hi.  Your story sounds similar to mine.  Over a year ago I have my first attack of diverticulitis....then 5 more in the next few months.  I didn't respond to the antibiotics and when I had my last attack I ended up in the hospital for 5 days.  They talked me into doing the surgery and a month later, I did.  It has been almost 9 months now and I am doing so much better.  My gi started talking surgery after the second one.  I was in a lot of pain and my stools were very thin and hurt to go to the bathroom.  The fact that they are waiting until Jan. could mean that they are waiting to see if you have another attack?  You could get a second opinion.  My ct's showed that my sigmoid colon was starting to close up which could have been disastrous.  All in all, ( I never though I would say this  lol) I am glad that I had the surgery.  Hope this helps...

[Morecambe]

Hi - almost five years ago I underwent a total colectomy for torrential diverticular bleeding.  I described my experience to another Medhelp patient on:-

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/523166

Maybe you would like to have a look at this posting so that at least you know another patient's experience of the operation that is being suggested to you.

This is a big operation and it does take time to recover.  I decided to undergo the operation due to the ever-present risk of the sudden (can be life threatening if you are not close to a hospital) bleeding recurring.

Please come back if you would like any more info.

Morecambe