Jim,

Yes, there is good news! From what I've read, the second surgery is much easier than the first. I think you would get more responses if you post in one of the threads over at the Topix Diverticulitis Forum. Here is the link:

http://www.topix.com/forum/health/diverticulitis

Good luck to you!

Thank you so much for taking th etime to write back. I will try the other forum....

This is so new and scary to me!

Jim :)

I was told that depression after surgery is very common (I know I think I had it half the summer). Your body is reacting first to the infection you were experiencingm the surgery and then to the drugs.

Once you are off the awful antibiodics and pain killers, start eating, and being able just to walk and exercise life will begin to start feeling "normal" again. I think walking helped me the most, as I always felt in better spirits after a walk (still do)!!

Here's hoping each day you will feel better than the one before! Virtual hugs to you!

I missed adding one of the most important things and remembered as soon as I hit enter!

Please tell your doctor about your depression on your very next visit, and if not within a week, make an appointment specifically for that reason. You may even be able to call the surgeon's office and explain to the nurse. They may have some immediate answers.

I wanted to say thank you so much for helping me. I am going to try and talk to my doctor Monday as I need some help I think.

I am trying to walk around th ehouse as much as possible but its so nasty outside. I just need to know it goind to get better

Keep in touch if you can

Jim

Also, it is very normal especially if you have been healthy all your life.To be scared, that is.
I have friend in his early 60's who also just was diagnosed with it and he is also terrified. Unlike me, he had been healthy all his life so it is really scary.
So hopefully you have few good friends you can speak with it about and if not...there are forums and support groups all over the place.
My piece of advice is this...do not take any of antidepressants for being scared. They do too many negative things plus getting off them can be very hard.
I think just talking to others, friends and if you are isolated..use these forums and if you need bit more help. See a counselor just few times to get you through the scary parts. Much better than taking pills. Good luck and there are support groups all over internet.
I enjoy speaking to people in other countries! Interesting to hear if they handle it same way plus fun to make friends around the world!

You are very welcome, Jim. I am hoping today will bring a needed ray of sunshine for you, even in the cold of winter!

Whatever your doctor recommends is the path you truly should follow, though you can know that we are here for you in any way we can help. And if he would recommend antidepressents, than I would say to, follow his advice.

I went through extensive cancer surgery and treatment (15 years ago now), and my onocolgist started out by telling me it was his job to keep me alive, and my job to do what he said! He prescribed an antidepressent for me, and I told him I was not depressed. He told me I would be, and he knew best. I was on them for almost a year and had no negative side effects.

Glad to hear you will be contacting your physician...they truly do know best!

Thank you to everyone. It helps to hear from others so I dont feel so alone.

I am trying to keep moving and trying!

Please pray for me

Jim

Hey Jim! You seem like such a good guy... I am so sorry this has happened to you. Its actually not nearly as uncommon as you may think so believe me, you aren't alone, please remember that.

I had recurring attacks so one year ago (this week actually) I had an elective resection so I know some of what you are going through. I look back and I realize what a nutjob I was for the week or so after surgery. So much trauma, so many drugs! No wonder we can't mentally handle it!

This too shall pass, trust us. Try to find some things that really do relax you. For example, I found the Andrew Johnson relaxation apps really helpful, as well as a simple guided meditation called "Simply Being." When the thoughts became too much and the fear grew too large, I would put on headphones and just listen.

You have gone through a trauma, so give yourself permission to feel all these things, don't fight it. Be patient and gentle with yourself and do tell everyone that you are having these feelings so that they can watch out for you!

What happens over a looooooong time, is that this nasty situation ends up strengthening you because you figure out that you actually survived a very big thing and that will perhaps give your life some additional specialness, value and appreciation. Perhaps more importantly, you will be a voice of comfort someday for someone who is in your situation now... make the commitment to your healing (mind and body) so that you can be that guy. As you find out how common this is, you will learn that your support to others will be invaluable!!!

Keep coming here to get support too.

Hi, Jim
Just wanted you to know that we are thinking and praying that each day for you gets easier. Please check in with us if you feel up to it.
Belinda

Jim,

I joined this group to respond and interact with you. IT DOES GET BETTER!!! BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF AND TRUST IN GOD.

On 8/3/12, I was living my happy go lucky life and on 8/4 things critically changed.

I was rushed to the hospital and things when pretty vague for me from there. I had emergency surgery and ended up on life support because my lungs collapsed during surgery as a result of my system going septic. Not only did I have THE EPISODE, it perforated my colon. I woke up a week later with a colostomy bag and an incision the length of my abdomen. I understand your feelings.

On a brighter note, I had my resection on 12/18/12 and it is easier recuperating the second time.

Please feel free to communicate. Anything I can offer to help someone through the storm is my aim. BE ENCOURAGED, THIS TOO SHALL PASS!