My History...

okay - I'm 47 yrs old - had my first bout of diverticulitis 2 years ago - 2 weeks after a stressful move (2 states away due to hubbies relocation). First bout I went to the E.R. - had ct scans and contrast dies - to determine Diverticulitis on my right side (not the usual for Americans...) and they gave me IV morphine,  Cipro and Flagyl for a couple hours then sent me home - told to rest a few days - avoid nuts and seeds. #2 bout was just 6 months ago - came on quick - went to E.R. and they admitted me for 5 days - thought it may require emergency surgery. Luckily it did not.  Told I should consider "elective" surgery and that it would have to be "open" surgery. Didn't like that idea - so I did some research and checked out doctors, and had my first colonoscopy.  GI specialist said yes, I really should get the surgery done to avoid emergency surgery later, a colostomy bag, and/or having it fistulate to my bladder or other organs, or worse: have it rumpture, which could be deadly. Found a surgeon that was well-versed in laproscoptic surgery and had it done 6/2/08 - 15" of my sigmoid colon removed.  It required 4 small (dime-sized) incisions and a 5" cut below my belly button and down to pubic bone.