Diverticulitis Support Group
Diverticulitis is a common disease of the bowel, in particular the large intestine. Diverticulitis develops from diverticulosis, which involves the formation of pouches on the outside of the colon. Diverticulitis results if one of these diverticula becomes inflamed. Diverticulitis most often affects middle-aged and elderly persons, though it can strike younger patients as...
On Sept 5 I went to the er with severe abdominal pain. I had be vomiting for 3 days straight with no relief. I also had a bad case of diarrhea as well. They admitted me and said I had diverticulitis. I had a cat scan about 6 days prior to that indicated diverticulitis and I had seen a gastro guy who said he wanted the inflammation to go down before he did a colonoscopy. They also did an xray that indicated diverticulitis as well. In the hospital the GI guy said that I would probably need surgery down the road since I was so young to have such a bad flare up and that it would only get worse. They called in a surgeon and he basically said the same thing. I was discharged on 9/11 and felt better with no vomiting but constant diarhhea. The doc told me to take immodium which did absolutely nothing. I had also been on antibiotics for two weeks prior to this admission. On Sunday I woke up and had a fever of 101.2 and called the doc. He said that since I was on antibiotics and pain killers that had tylenol in it that it would be prudent to go to the er. To make a long story short the er dismissed me with the same antibiotic that originally made me sick- flagyl. I am seeing a surgeon tomorrow because the gi guy said I am not getting better and that I need surgery, I am really scared and don't know what to do. Does anyone have any advice?
Sounds like you may have another issue as well. I'd say if the inflammation is down then you need to get scoped. If you still have a fever then I'd stay away from the probe. I have no fear of surgery. On many folks the surgery eliminates the problem. You sure don't want to have a perforation and get stuck on a bag. Bob
Here are the published guidelines by the following institutions:
The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons,The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract,The American College of Gastroenterology and The European Association of Endoscopic Surgeons report the following:
1) Complicated diverticulitis refers to the presence of a perforation, obstruction, an abscess, or a fistula. 2) Approximately 25 percent of patients diagnosed with diverticulitis for the first time present with complicated diverticulitis. NEARLY ALL of these patients require surgery (so abscess,perforation, obstruction or a fistula)
3) Uncomplicated diverticulitis, accounting for 75 percent of cases, refers to diverticulitis without the complications noted above. The majority of these patients respond to medical therapy, although up to 30 percent require surgery.
Dr O.
I am sorry for your distress. I suggest you read Dr.O"s message. Ask surgeon if your case is "complicated" or "uncomplicated."
As Dr.O defined in her message:1) Complicated diverticulitis refers to the presence of a perforation, obstruction, an abscess, or a fistula. 2) Approximately 25 percent of patients diagnosed with diverticulitis for the first time present with complicated diverticulitis. NEARLY ALL of these patients require surgery (so abscess,perforation, obstruction or a fistula)
3) Uncomplicated diverticulitis, accounting for 75 percent of cases, refers to diverticulitis without the complications noted above. The majority of these patients respond to medical therapy, although up to 30 percent require surgery.
I would ask the G. I. and/or surgeon to sit down with you and show you your films of your intestines and explain what is exactly happening.Also take a friend with to help ask questions and remember what the answers are. Please let me know how you are doing. I will be thinking of you.
Mica
In 2001 the same thing happened to me, and I saw 4 Surgeons hoping one would say I did not need surgery. But, they all agreed, elective surgery to take out the damaged part of my colon (10 inches of it) was the best idea, before it perforated, because then I would have a colostomy for the rest of my life. I am not trying to scare you. But the surgery was the best thing I ever did. No more diarrea, no more pain! He took all the Diverticulitis out of me and I can eat anything I want! I am 51 now and he told me by the time Diverticulitis reared it's ugly head again, I'd be dead and buried. -:) They did the surgery laprosopically and I was home in 2 days. My activities were restricted for about 5wks and I had to ease back into reg food, starting out with softs, like pasta, etc.. Please don't hesitate to e-mail me if you have any questions. I'd be happy to help you!
-Jamie
jaymesweet@att.net
I had the surgery in July this year. Now 3 months later I am doing fine.
Yes the Flagyl and Cipro were hard on my digestive system. I hope I don't have to take them again for anything.